THORNBURY is getting ready to impress Britain in Bloom judges, who are set to pay two visits to the town.

Weeds are being removed, litter picked up and flowering plants dead headed as part of the work involved in preparing for the assessment s.

Sue Aitken, of the Thornbury in Bloom team, said the South West regional judge was due on Monday, July 21, to be followed on July 30 by the national competition judging.

The town is being visited twice because its continuing success in the floral, environment and community challenge has again led to it being invited to represent the South West in the nationwide contest.

Sue said: "The national competition judging is the big date. That's when everything needs to be perfect so we are asking for volunteers to help with the clean up.

"We will be having a blitz on Sunday, July 20, and a final tidy up on Sunday, July 27. If anyone would like to turn up and be allocated a job, meet at the Castle Court car park at 9.30am with tools such as secateurs, a spade and hoe, as well as a bag for rubbish."

She said helpers could also be allocated a job in advance by contacting the team via the Thornbury in Bloom website.

Guy Rawlinson, chairman of Thornbury in Bloom and the town's mayor, said: "It's certainly a big year for us and it's also a special year for Britain in Bloom as it's their golden anniversary, so the theme is growing for gold.

"The centenary of the start of World War One is also being marked with a poppy theme."

He said Thornbury's town pump on The Plain had been decked out with golden flowers and there were also a number of features marking the wartime theme.

"Thornbury has been incredibly successful in the Britain in Bloom competitions, regularly winning gold medals and best in class categories. Our success is only possible due to the support we receive from everyone in the town," he said.