Shipston puts on its best face for judges (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Shipston puts on its best face for judges

SHIPSTON was bursting with blooms when it was visited by Heart of England judges yesterday.

The town is competing in the small country towns' section of the national Heart of England in Bloom competition.

A team of local people have been working hard to spruce up the town over the past few weeks. As a result, hanging baskets, tubs and the newly-opened sensory garden in Mayo Road were ready to impress the judges on their tour of the town.

Shipston has seen considerable success in the competition, which has been a big boost to tourism, over the past 16 years. Last year it won the silver gilt award and this year's results will be announced in September.

Town councillor and committee member Penny White has been busy organising the town's bloom bid. She said it was community involvement and the overall impression of the town, including cleanliness, which were the key factors in gaining good marks in the competition.

"We prepared a route for the judges which took in the sensory garden, the therapeutic garden at the Ellen Badger Hospital and a newly-planted herb garden at Greenfields Nursery," she said.

"The judges then had the chance to look around the town primary school before taking in the town of Shipston."

The committee had faced complications due to the dry weather this year, which had meant a great deal of re-planting but she hoped the hard work would pay off.

"We've received a lot of support from people in the community," Cllr White added.

"We received £1,500 from the town council and solicitors Needham and James sponsored our judging day.

"I'd like to thank all the sponsors and everyone who supported us for their hard work."