Judges from Britain in Bloom have visited a community running for a national horticultural prize.

Town Close in Norwich has been selected for the first time as a competitor for the award for national urban community.

Yesterday, the Britain in Bloom judges came to view the hard work of volunteers gardening in areas including Lakenham Way, Town Close School and Jenny Lind Park.

Last year their efforts brought them a silver-gilt award and a nomination by Anglia in Bloom for the Britain in Bloom competition this year.

The judges saw a range of gardens and open spaces and found out how volunteers work to make their own areas attractive.

Victor Clapham, 68 from Regina Close, who volunteers with Lakenham and Town Close Green Spaces, said: 'I work every second Saturday and I do enjoy it very much.

'I want to see the place looking nice because I'm fed up with areas looking uncared for.'

Other areas to be visited by the judges include Bristol, London Bridge, Evington in Leicester and Leeds.

Britain in Bloom Judges Andrew Jackson and Mel Henley said they were not only looking for the floral aspects of gardening but also the community participation and 'everyone working together.'

Mr Jackson said: 'Overall, we are impressed with what we have seen this morning.

'To get this far is a terrific achievement to start off with.'

Britain in Bloom judges were also in Norwich earlier this week to see what the city has to offer for a national prize.

What do you think of the green spaces in your local community? Email edpletters@archant.co.uk