Judges from the Royal Horticultural Society will visit Marlborough on Tuesday to judge the town’s entry into the South West in Bloom competition.

This is the first time the town has entered the South West in Bloom competition and community groups will be on hand to guide the judges round.

The judges, Andy Cole and Jan Pangano, will be greeted by town mayor Marian Hannaford-Dobson and the Marlborough in Bloom committee.

The tour will include a visit to the 17th century garden at the Merchants House, part of a High Street house once owned by a wealthy silk merchant.

The judges will visit Stonebridge Meadow, a water meadow managed by Marlborough Town Council and Action for the River Kennet.

A representative from Marlborough Community Orchard will show off the diamond jubilee plantation at The Common and the judges will visit both cemeteries and Marlborough College.

Alison Galvin-Wright, chair of the Marlborough in Bloom Committee, said: “Everyone has worked so hard in the last few weeks to make sure that we show the judges that we have a community working together and proud of Marlborough.

“It’s our first attempt and a really good effort. The judges are bound to be impressed by the work of our various voluntary groups.”

Coun Marian Hannaford-Dobson said: “Volunteers, the town council’s grounds team, Wiltshire Council, Aster Housing and more have all played a part in bringing this together.

“I was particularly like to thank businesses and retailers in and around the High Street who have clearly made real efforts with splendid floral displays and hanging baskets.”

Local primary schools, including St Peter’s and Preshute, are also taking part in the Marlborough in Bloom competition.

They will take part in a painting competition with a poppies theme and the mayor will select the winners whose artwork will be sent through to the finals in Truro.

Just before the judges arrive, on Monday July 7, there will be a community clean-up starting at 10am at Priory Gardens.

Everyone is welcome to come along. Littler picking equipment and high-visibility jackets will be supplied.