A year of planning and work to make Norwich the prettiest city in the country has come to a head as national judges for the Royal Horticultural Society's Britain in Bloom toured the city.

Eastern Daily Press: Britain in Bloom judges meeting the Norwich in Bloom team and take a tour of Norwich. The Assembly House. Picture : ANTONY KELLYBritain in Bloom judges meeting the Norwich in Bloom team and take a tour of Norwich. The Assembly House. Picture : ANTONY KELLY (Image: archant 2017)

Work completed by the Friends of Norwich in Bloom was put under the scope as the judges took the two hour walk around the Fine City taking in the colourful displays.

Michael King, President of Friends of Norwich in Bloom and tour leader, said: 'All the partnerships, business and volunteers have been working incredibly hard to prepare for the judges arrival. Our many groups have been busy cleansing, watering and weeding so that our displays will look their best for the big day, I thank everyone who has put in so much time and effort keeping the heart of Norwich and indeed all across the city look so beautiful, clean and green for those who live, work, trade and visit.'

This is the first year that Norwich has made it through to the national stages of the competition.

Each finalist will be awarded a gold, silver gilt, silver or bronze medal when the results are announced at the Britain in Bloom awards ceremony in Llandudno, north Wales on October 27.

Eastern Daily Press: Britain in Bloom judges meeting the Norwich in Bloom team and take a tour of Norwich. The Assembly House. Picture : ANTONY KELLYBritain in Bloom judges meeting the Norwich in Bloom team and take a tour of Norwich. The Assembly House. Picture : ANTONY KELLY (Image: archant 2017)

There are awards for best in category, special discretionary for achieving excellence including involving children and young people in gardening in a changing climate and overcoming adversity.

Britain in Bloom judge Jon Wheatley said: 'Britain in Bloom is all about community, working together and that certainly exists here.

'We have seen some lovely horticulture features and I think the city is laying the foundation for a fantastic future for one of the best cities in the UK.

'The sustainable planting caught my eye and we loved the sense of place being created by the art around the route and landscaping around Marks and Spencers is very impressive.'

Eastern Daily Press: Britain in Bloom judges meeting the Norwich in Bloom team and take a tour of Norwich. The Assembly House. Picture : ANTONY KELLYBritain in Bloom judges meeting the Norwich in Bloom team and take a tour of Norwich. The Assembly House. Picture : ANTONY KELLY (Image: archant 2017)

The murals painted around the city scape were also eye catching to the visiting judges.

Judge Richard Buldge said: 'The murals stood out as they seem to tell a story. It breaks up some of the ugliness of the buildings. We would both like to congratulate Norwich on extending the Bid.'

Eastern Daily Press: Britain in Bloom judges meeting the Norwich in Bloom team and take a tour of Norwich. The Assembly House. Picture : ANTONY KELLYBritain in Bloom judges meeting the Norwich in Bloom team and take a tour of Norwich. The Assembly House. Picture : ANTONY KELLY (Image: archant 2017)