JUDGES from North West In Bloom toured Altrincham last week - and were suitably impressed with the town's endeavours.

North West In Bloom chairman Bill Blackledge and fellow judge John Bilsborough visited the town to see how things have changed in the past 12 months.

They enjoyed colourful floral displays in the Stamford Quarter, across the town in the numerous community planters, at The Old Roebuck pub, and along the Four Seasons Walkway which connects Denmark Street to Moss Lane.

They also met children from Navigation Primary School at the Shaw’s Green ‘Food for Thought’ project, and artist John Lockwood who explained some of the ideas being proposed for the 'Welcoming Gateway' project which is just underway.

Just outside the town centre, judges admired the ‘Pretty Wild Reservation’ in front of the Cresta Court Hotel and toured both John Leigh Park and Denzell Gardens with the respective Friends’ groups.

The latter are entered into the non-competitive ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ awards and it is hoped they will be given ‘Outstanding’ awards.

For the past two years, under the guidance of Altrincham In Bloom Project Coordinator Sarah Walmsley, the town has received top honours - consecutive gold awards in 2014 and 2015, and gold awards for all commercial entries in 2015 – the Stamford Quarter Shopping Centre, The Old Roebuck and The Wheatsheaf pub.

Sarah said: “We have come a long way in a short space of time in Altrincham and it’s down to the fact that people really pull their fingers out to make the town look beautiful. Even those who have little or no experience with gardening.

"All we ask is that everyone has a go and I’m pleased to see that many businesses have done just that.”

The North West In Bloom awards will be announced on October 28 at the Southport Convention Centre ceremony.