THE NANTWICH in Bloom team are waiting with bated breath after pulling out all the stops to wow Britain in Bloom's national judges last week.

The team is celebrating after Jersey-based judge Sue Rodrigues and colleague Roger Burnett from Scarborough expressed admiration for the town's enthusiasm.

Nantwich is the North-West's representative in this year's Britain in Bloom and will be hoping to scoop a top prize at next month's awards bash in Perth.

The visit by the judges has been hailed a huge success, with the tour around the town topped by entertainment on the town square and a civic reception with town council dignitaries.

Nantwich in Bloom's Connie Jones said: "People are generally beginning to understand that the Bloom effort is not just about flowers.

"It is all about pride of place, cleanliness and tidiness as well as prettiness.

"The whole effort is about team work. Nantwich in Bloom is happy to co-ordinate all that goes on in Nantwich that relates to the town effort.

"So many local groups and people are now making a contribution to their own area, which must benefit the town on a day-to-day basis as well as being of benefit to the Bloom competition."

The judges' tour of the town took in Richmond Village, Regent's College, a prize garden, the town cemetery, Cheyne Hall, the swimming pool, the Airman's Grave, the museum and other sites.

The judges also spoke to borough council officers about street cleansing, recycling, grounds maintenance and river development.