Green fingered enthusiasts in Newport are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the Heart of England in Bloom judges on Monday.
The judges will run the rule over the town’s floral displays as it bids for a seventh consecutive gold medal.
They will start their two-and-a-half hour tour at the new-look Victoria Park before heading to Stafford Street to view the new hanging baskets and the flower bed.
Next up is Station Road, Boughey Memorial, Boughey allotments and the Cottage Care Centre.
The judges will then leave their vehicles and walk the full length of High Street to St Nicholas’ Church.
Despite the road works on High Street, In Bloom volunteer Gill Watkins said they were still hopeful of scooping the highest award once again.
She said: “We have two brand new judges who have not been to Newport before.
“The judging is split into three sections: flowers and trees, community participation and environmental responsibility.
“We were concerned about the High Street being dug up literally as judges walked past.
“But we are hopeful of getting our seventh gold because so much work has been done by volunteers and community workers.”
The In Bloom team has also been boosted by the efforts of the new RAF Cadets, the Shropshire Community Payback scheme, the Guides and the Brownies.
The groups have chipped in by laying flowers along High Street, while Telford & Wrekin Council last week planted flowers outside Central Square.
Three towns will go through to the Heart of England national competition.
Newport last made it through to the UK-wide competition in 2006.
Mrs Watkins has now called on fellow residents in the town to keep it clean before the judges carry out their thorough inspection.
The town will find out whether it has secured its record seventh gold in September.
By Sean Wozencroft
