THE streets of Colchester were made spotless as the judges of a prestigious competition paid a visit.

Colchester is vying with seven other “small cities” to win a prize in the Britain in Bloom finals.

Judges visited the town yesterday to check its cleanliness and see the sights.

The group assessed shop fronts, pubs and streets across Colchester.

In previous Anglia in Bloom competitions Colchester has won gold medals, as well as other special awards.

Colchester in Bloom, a group set up to make the town a more beautiful place, were on hand to guide the judges.

Starting in Mersea Road, the group toured sites including Star Light Tea Chapel, Castle Park and Colchester Cemetery.

Colchester councillor Dave Harris, Colchester in Bloom secretary, said: “The judges went away with a really good impression of Colchester.

"They were clearly impressed with how the town is presented.

“They took a four hour tour around the town, taking in the sights.

“Unsurprisingly they loved Castle Park. I joined in for some litter picking for a couple of hours and joined the judges at Colchester Cemetery’s Starlight Tea Chapel.

Gazette:

Gazing - the judges at Colchester Cemetery

“It was a day to be proud of our town. Colchester is one of seven ‘small cities’ in the whole of Britain which are finalists. This is very good news.

“Britain in Bloom is a prestigious event and this shows Colchester is up there with the best.”

Britain in Bloom is a nationwide community gardening campaign to transform cities, towns and villages.

More than 3,000 groups take part each year, through Britain in Bloom and It’s Your Neighbourhood, focusing on community action to transform spaces.

In Bloom groups run wildlife projects, care for parks and organise clean-up events.