MARLBOROUGH in Bloom has begun with businesses around the town helping the High Street to blossom for the judging day.

New for this year’s event are the new 14 local and different groups entering the Royal Horticulture Society’s It’s Your Neighbourhood campaign. The non-competitive scheme aims to encourage volunteers to revamp and improve the areas they live in.

Anne Crawley, chairman of Marlborough in Bloom, said: “This year the response from our businesses and shops has been amazing, transforming the High Street with a blaze of colour from the glorious floral displays in troughs and hanging baskets. The community have been very appreciative of our efforts whilst we have been out litter-picking and weeding around the town.”

A number of events have already been scheduled for the festivities, one of which is taking place on May 23 where Fiona Robinson, a local beekeeper, is visiting St Mary’s and St Peter’s schools to speak in assemblies. The White Horse Bookshop will also be holding a talk on June 9 with local author and beekeeper, Claire Barker, who runs Hive Originals in Devizes.

Diana Cooper, committee member of Marlborough in Bloom, said: “We are delighted by the enthusiastic response from businesses in the High Street and the community in general, which will encourage our efforts to wow the judges when they visit Marlborough in July.”

The MIB committee are currently looking for more volunteers to help with this year’s event as there are extra displays. Currently the committee is looking for people to help paint the planters, filling and watering the plants, picking up litter and delivering leaflets. If anyone wishes to volunteers to help with Marlborough in Bloom this year they can contact Mrs Crawley on (01672) 512317.

Marlborough in Bloom is run by a small voluntary committee. It receives grants from Wiltshire Council Area Board and Marlborough Town Council. Headed by the lead sponsor Brewin Dolphin, Marlborough in Bloom also receives donations from local traders, businesses and individuals.