THE THORNBURY in Bloom team brought to a close this year’s In Bloom campaign as the national judges paid a visit to the town in the 50th year of the competition.

The Thornbury in Bloom committee welcomed judges Ian Beaney and Jeff Bates who inspected the community’s hard work to make Thornbury look stunning last Wednesday morning.

Thornbury in Bloom chairman Guy Rawlinson praised the community spirit of the town as it came together once again, this year for the In Bloom competition.

Speaking after the tour he said: “The weather has held up and I’d like to say thanks to the whole community for their efforts, so many have played their parts, we don’t think about it, we just do it.”

“It was a pleasure to be able to show the judges around Thornbury. The displays looked stunning, enhanced by the beautiful weather we enjoyed on the day.

“It was also an occasion for the judges to meet the many volunteers who work very hard to provide so many special places for the judges to visit and who help make the town look as attractive as possible.

“At the after tour reception the judges commented on how welcoming everyone had been and what a pleasure it was to visit Thornbury.”

Britain in Bloom judge, Ian Beaney acknowledged the commitment that the town had displayed, at a reception after the tour:

“On behalf of the Royal Horticultural Society can I thank you for your effort and commitment.

“If you could bottle and sell the spirit and commitment and skill you’ve shown you’d be a very rich man - you should be proud of your community.”

The town was part of an exclusive group of locations across the country chosen to represent their region for the golden anniversary of the In Bloom competition.

Andrea Van Sittart, Royal Horticultural Society head of regional development said: "The groups that have made it to the final stages represent the very best in community gardening and it is their passion and community spirit that have got them this far.

“I wish all the finalists the very best of luck and urge more people to get involved in the campaign so that we can continue to grow on the success of the last 50 years."

The awards ceremony will be held in Bristol on Thursday, October 16.