THORNBURY in Bloom is gearing up for the summer’s flower displays and needs everyone to get stuck in.

It’s a big year for the In Bloom team this year, which has been rising through the competition ranks in recent years.

Last year the green-fingered group picked up no fewer than two awards at the South West in Bloom competition.

The hard work paid off as Thornbury received a gold medal as well as the Sargeant Cup for best performance in the town category.

This means that the town’s efforts will now be competing in a regional Champion of Champions category, where the stakes are ever-higher.

Town mayor and In Bloom stalwart Guy Rawlinson explained: “We will be judged against people who have been category winners in the past.”

Thornbury is likely to be pitted against towns like Truro, Portishead and Radstock.

Mr Rawlinson said that the team were now getting the town ready and needed as many people as possible to chip in with practical support.

Tidying up the town’s public spaces and streets will be the focus of the weeks leading up to and during July and August when the judging will take place.

The team raised £900 at the latest plant sale and The Swan pub has also had In Bloom as their charity of the month, providing valuable financial support.

What is needed now costs no money, but requires time and care.

Mr Rawlinson said: “We are now looking for support in a practical way, which consists of tidying the streets up.

“It’s about recognising that it’s a duality. Financial support is important but it’s also the upkeep.”

This year the town council took over responsibility for grass cutting, borders and dog bins following major local authority cuts to street care in South Gloucestershire.

Thornbury In Bloom is appealing to residents to keep their own patches of land clean, to allow the town to look as resplendent as ever.

Mr Rawlinson said it was important the judge got the ‘Wow factor’ in Thornbury and hoped the big, bold sunflowers planted around the town would do the trick.

A poppy bed has also been planted along Morton Way, which is hopefully currently germinating, to mark the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War in August.

The town council’s hanging basket scheme will see 132 baskets supported by individuals and businesses.

For more information visit www.thornburyinbloom.co.uk and www.facebook.com/thornburyinbloom