ALTRINCHAM will host the judges of the Britain in bloom competition this week, as it bids for national glory.

Altrincham In Bloom is one of 78 finalists vying to win a Gold award in this year’s Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) national Britain in Bloom competition.

On August 3, the town will be visited by the RHS judges. The group will lead the pair of judges on a tour of the town taking in projects including the Four Seasons Walkway, The Living Wall, the ‘Food for Thought’ at Shaw’s Green and the Pretty Wild Reservation.

The Bloom group is competing in the Large Towns category of the competition with hopes of being recognised as one of the cleanest, greenest and most beautiful places in the UK.

Altrincham In Bloom will be looking to impress the judges by showing them the very best of the North West’s community horticulture.

The group’s entry will be assessed across three key criteria: horticultural achievement, community participation and environmental responsibility.

Sarah Walmsley, project coordinator of Altrincham In Bloom, said: “Our small team of volunteers have been working incredibly hard all year round to develop our environmental projects this far.

"Now we’re onto our ‘snagging list’ in preparation for the judges’ arrival to ensure that Altrincham looks the best it can for the big day.

“Since we began coordinating this project in 2014, it is the first time that we’ve got through to the national stages of the competition and we are both nervous and excited about welcoming the judges along with our partners, Trafford Council, One Trafford and Altrincham Unlimited.”

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.

There is also an award for being the best in category, as well as special discretionary awards for achieving excellence in particular areas.

These include involving children and young people, gardening in a changing climate and overcoming adversity.

Andrea Van-Sittart, RHS head of community outreach said: “The Britain in Bloom judging gives groups the chance to showcase all the wonderful work that they do, all year round.

“Over the past year alone, our national finalists have planted over a million trees, shrubs, bulbs and other plants, making places greener and more sustainable, and providing areas for the whole community to relax and enjoy. I wish all of this year’s finalists the very best of luck.”

Britain in Bloom is the UK’s biggest community gardening campaign – up to 300,000 volunteers are involved in transforming villages, towns and cities into greener and more pleasant places to live.