HORTICULTURE judges toured a town to inspect the hours of hard work put in by volunteer gardeners.

The Heart of England in Bloom judges visited Upton on Tuesday, July 18, to take a look at the town’s flower displays.

Upton could potentially be offered a place in the Britain in Bloom competition if they do well enough in the regional campaign.

Jackie Surtees, aged 69, chairman of Upton in Bloom, said: “I think the judges were impressed.

“For one judge it’s been 14 years since he was here last.

“It’s all about community and making your surroundings more enjoyable.

“A huge thank you to the volunteers who gave their time. We meet every Tuesday morning at 9.30am.”

Ms Surtees said the judges were surprised that Upton in Bloom is funded solely by donations.

The tour started at Riverboats pre-school, in Prices Lane, and then moved to the library.

“Chris Mair [the chairman of the library’s Trust] was there and he explained the background to it. They seemed quite impressed with that,” she said.

“From there we went to Thomas Morris House.

“It looked immaculate. The ground floor flats had gardens in front of them. It also had hanging baskets and flower beds.”

Ms Surtees said the site has been developed over the last year with a dramatic increase in the number of gardeners.

“We then went and had a look at the Ham [nature reserve] and walked down Fisherman’s Alley,” she said.

“Before, there was lots of evidence of dogs. We have got rid of the weeds and there’s no dog mess there now.

“Then we went out into Dunn’s Lane and went to the first flood gate and met Dave Throup [manager of the Environment Agency for Herefordshire and Worcestershire].”

The group then inspected some flower beds under the Pepperpot and moved along Hanley Road.

The tour went down Church Street and finally ended up in the old churchyard, where they met ‘Cromwell’ - a grass dog.

The group finished the day with a buffet in Ye Olde Anchor Inn and some enjoyed Pimm’s.