TORRENTIAL rain saved Upton in Bloom organisers the task of watering their displays.

Instead, they channelled energies into preparing for a busy summer that will see Upton judged in two prestigious In Bloom competitions.

Judges from Heart of England in Bloom will tour the town at 10am on Wednesday, July 18, while their counterparts from Britain in Bloom will run the rule over Upton for the first time at 9.30am on Friday, August 3.

Committee member Jackie Surtees said preparations for the town's Elgar-themed bid were progressing well.

"We've been busy removing dead flower heads from displays, weeding and planting permanent beds, and constructing new flower containers," she said. "Everyone is welcome to come and join us for the judging and Edwardian costume would be great."

New display troughs are attached to both sides of Upton Bridge and banners have hoisted around the town.