GARDENERS, volunteers, and council staff face an anxious wait after the judges from RHS North West in Bloom came to the borough.

The judges, Bill Blackledge and Brendan Cook, were taken on a swift tour of sites in Bury and Radcliffe to look at floral displays as well as environmental projects, examples of conservation, and evidence of support from businesses and hands-on support from the community.

Bury has won a gold award and the best large town prize for the last 11 years, while Radcliffe has won a gold award for four years running.

Next Thursday (August 6), Bury will represent the region in the Britain in Bloom finals for the sixth time since 2005, when it will find out its fate.

In Bury, the judges were reportedly complimentary about the new wicker features — the "fat controller" at Bury Bridge, the "soldiers" in Gallipoli Garden and the "leaping fish" at Burrs — as well as the rugby feature at the Heap Bridge roundabout.

They also highlighted Gallipoli Gardens, the "outstanding" standard of ground maintenance in the borough, and the litter-free open spaces.

In Radcliffe, the judges also singled out high standards of grounds maintenance and street cleansing, and the "amazing" barge feature on Water Street.

Cllr Tony Isherwood, cabinet member for the environment, said: “Producing successful In Bloom results year on year is a fantastic achievement and clearly demonstrates what can be pulled off when council teams work in partnership with the local community and local businesses. Whatever the official results, the quality of our environment is a credit to everyone involved.”