25 YEARS AGO July 27, 1990 BURNHAM florist Michael Saunders travelled to Los Angeles to collect an award that put him among the world’s top floral designers.

Mr Saunders, who worked for Berry and Saunders florists in Victoria Street, became only one of five people in the UK to achieve the gold pin from the American Institute of Floral Designers.

A heatwave boosted sales for traders as thousands of people converged on Burnham to soak up the sun.

With temperatures nearing 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius), sea-front traders had a stream of customers, with ice creams in great demand.

Brent Knoll Girl Guide Polly Hall was presented with the Baden Powell Trefoil Award.

To gain the award she had to undertake various challenges including making a model of the Taj Mahal and completing 40 hours of service to others.

10 YEARS AGO July 27, 2005 SPORTS presenter John Inverdale dropped into visit Burnham RNLI ten years ago this week. The BBC presenter talked with crew members and supporters about their work as well as posing for pictures.

“I’m lost in admiration for the work and commitment of everybody involved with the RNLI,” he said.

A combined summer fete and gala was held at St Andrew’s Church in Burnham to raise £1,400 to go toward the restoration of the church.

The afternoon fete had a variety of attractions including teas and scones, a toy stall stand and custom greeting cards.

20 YEARS AGO JULY 28, 1995 VISITORS packed a fete organised to raise funds for Berrow's St Mary's Parish Church and raised £1,200 for the church coffers.

Berrow vicar, the Rev Stafford Low, said: “It was a great success – it was a lovely summer day and everyone enjoyed themselves.”

Tourism chiefs were celebrating the news that Burnham had won the prestigious Seaside Award for the second year in succession from the Tidy Britain Group.

Sedgemoor tourism officer Elaine Ford said the beach had fulfilled 29 criteria from four categories including safety, management, cleanliness and information.