THORNBURY is eagerly awaiting results after judges from South West in Bloom were impressed by their visit to the town.

Having claimed a gold medal every year since 2000, the town is particularly keen to take the prize this year with Thornbury in Bloom celebrating its 25th year.

The results for the Royal Horticultural Society’s South West in Bloom competition are expected in early October, with Thornbury running against six other towns in the region.

During the day of judging on Thursday, July 14, officials were given a tour of the town, not only getting to see the impressive arrangements, but also a number of activities around the town, including traditional maypole dancing by pupils from Crossways School at the Ring of Thorns on Midland Way.

After an exhaustive look at the town, the judges and Thornbury in Bloom committee joined members of a range of the town’s community groups for a buffet lunch at the Swan.

“I don’t think we could have done any more, or any better this year,” said Thornbury in Bloom committee member Fran Sparrow.

“I think that regardless of the result, it is stunning what the volunteers in the town have been able to do. Thornbury is looking better than ever.”

Thornbury garden shop owner Sue Aitken added: “There was a very positive atmosphere while we were escorting the judges around the town on the tour.

“Everything was running on time and we were able to give our guests a full view of Thornbury with a range of lovely activities.”

Jeff Pead, from Thornbury Litterbusters, said: “Even without the flowers, Thornbury is a lovely place.

“But the addition of the hanging baskets really adds to the magical and colourful surroundings in the High Street.”

After the buffet lunch, a number of speeches were made thanking various individuals and groups for their hard work, with Thornbury in Bloom chairman Ed Cole presenting The Swan’s landlady Sandra Davies with a bouquet of flowers for her contribution to the day.

Afterwards Thornbury deputy mayor Cllr Alan Carman said: “I had a friend visit from the Midlands at the weekend and I had the pleasure of giving her the grand tour of Thornbury.

“As we went around the outskirts, she said how beautiful the town was, but she was absolutely blown away when we arrived in the centre, which just goes to show that the work Thornbury in Bloom does really is the icing on the cake of such a beautiful town.”

He added: “This has been an amazing collective work between Thornbury in Bloom, South Gloucestershire Council and Thornbury Town Council. There were members of staff out at 5.30 this morning making final adjustments – I didn’t even know there was a 5.30 in the morning until today!”

Closing the day, South West in Bloom judge Bob Sweet said: “Thornbury has done spectacularly today – what an amazing town and an amazing community.

“Not everyone can win, but when you are judging a fantastic town like this, you want to be as celebratory about their work as possible.

“The effort you make in this town is truly noteworthy and we wish you well in the competition.”