Town looks its best for competition and hopes for gold medal success

Hunstanton was looking its blooming best this week when judges from a prestigious competition came to town to inspect the floral displays.

A panel of visitors from the Britain in Bloom contest were given a guided tour of the resort yesterday (Monday) where flowerbeds, planters and open spaces are awash with colour.

Hopes are high that the town can top last year's silver-gilt award when the results are announced on September 25.

'We are hoping for gold,' said West Norfolk Council's operations manager, Chris Durham.

He said the judging tour went well and, although no hints were given, the panel gave positive feedback during their visit.

Hunstanton is one of just 76 villages, towns, cities and urban communities from across the UK to be visited by a panel of national Royal Horticultural Society Britain in Bloom judges. It is the only town Norfolk to be invited to participate along with Filby, near Great Yarmouth, in the villages section.

This is the third consecutive year that the resort has been invited to enter the prestigious horticultural campaign, which invites communities to work together to create cleaner and greener neighbourhoods. Participants are judged against criteria in the following areas: horticultural achievement; environmental responsibility and community participation.

The Hunstanton in Bloom Committee is made up of representatives from a wide range of organisations, including West Norfolk Council, Hunstanton Civic Society, local businesses, community groups and residents.

Volunteers are out in all weathers ensuring the town is looking picture-perfect for the annual awards.

Mr Durham said a huge amount of work was put in by council staff, volunteers and community groups to keep the town at its blooming best.