South West in Bloom judges have toured around Marlborough for the town’s first entry to the national competition.

Judges Andy Cole and Jane Pagano of the Royal Horticultural Society arrived after a community clean-up last week.

Mayor Marian Hannaford-Dobson, Marlborough in Bloom chairman Alison Galvin-Wright and the rest of the committee welcomed the judges at the Town Hall before they set off to see the town’s displays.

They met volunteers who have worked to improve areas including the Merchants House garden and Elcot Lane allotments.

Coun Hannaford-Dobson said: “It seemed to go very well. The judges took an extra three quarters of an hour, so I can only take that as a good sign.

“We managed to get everything done on time, so I’m very pleased about that.

“This is our first time entering the competition and it’s difficult to know what exactly they are looking for, but I don’t think the team and the volunteers could have done any better.

“We just have to keep our fingers and toes crossed now.”

The results of South West in Bloom will be announced on September 18.