Norwich's Snap dragon today gave the RHS Britain in Bloom judges a warm welcome to our fine city which is once again in the running for a national horticultural award.
The city's historic fire=breathing mascot, along with the Whifflers and town crier, greeted judges Roger Burnett and Jim Buttress at the Assembly House as they began their tour this morning with members of the Friends of Norwich in Bloom.
St Stephens roundabout has also been decorated in giant bees to create a buzz for the occasion.
'It was a great start to the tour to be met by a dragon. It's a little bit different,' said Mr Burnett, chairman of RHS Britain in Bloom, who said he had visited Norwich several times before.
'I'm pleased to be back. It's a lovely city and we always get a very warm welcome.
'Norwich always does really well. The great thing about Norwich is the community support, and the Friends of Norwich in Bloom embody that.'
Fellow judge Mr Buttress said he was also enjoying the day and was especially impressed with the horticultural work of City College Norwich students at the Assembly House.
'One of the most important things is to encourage young people to get involved and these young students have done a great job,' he said.
Friends of Norwich in Bloom ambassador Bill Webster said it was a great thing for Norwich to be a contender for a national horticultural prize.
He said: 'We are always pleased to see the RHS Britain in Bloom judges. Norwich is a city we can all be proud of.'
Among the places on the judges' tour today are City Hall, St Peter Mancroft, St Stephen's Church, the Castle Gardens, Tombland, the Adam and Eve pub and the Plantation Garden.
Last year Norwich won a silver gilt at the RHS Britain in Bloom awards and Mancroft, The Lanes, won silver in the urban community category. Tomorrow more RHS Britain in Bloom judges will be visiting Norwich to judge Town Close in Bloom in the 2014 Urban Community category.
• What do you think of Norwich's floral displays? Email eveningnewsletters@archant.co.uk or EDPLetters@archant.co.uk
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