THORNBURY was looking its best this week for the arrival of the Britain in Bloom judges.

With all the weeding and planting complete, Terry Porter and John Bawden, judges for the Royal Horticultural Society competition, were given a tour of Thornbury yesterday morning.

Though keeping tight-lipped about the success of the town's entry for the Britain in Bloom competition, the judges were suitably impressed by the achievements of the Thornbury in Bloom Committee.

Mr Porter said: "We've had an excellent tour and the town is absolutely super.

"The community should be very proud of the presentation Thornbury in Bloom put forward for them."

Last year Thornbury walked away with a Gold Award for the South West category and organisers in the town are hoping to repeat this success in the town's 19th year of entering.

Sue Aitken, chairman of the Thornbury in Bloom Committee, said: "We have received good feedback this morning from the judges so now we will just have to wait and see but fingers crossed.

"This year we have done some new things with the town and it looks all the better for it. The committee work really hard each year for this and so far so good.

"As a committee we would like to thank all of the people that have contributed to this year's campaign. We have had massive community input."

The Thornbury in Bloom Committee has also entered several community groups into the Britain in Bloom neighbourhood Awards, which recognise the hard work of individual groups that help towns' entries.

Thornbury named the Litter Busters, the Community Garden and the garden at the Christ the King Catholic Church, for this award.

The results of Britain in Bloom are due to be announced on September 18 at an award ceremony at the Guildhall, Plymouth.

More information and updates on Thornbury in Bloom can be found at www.thornburyinbloom.co.uk.