GREEN-FINGERED enthusiasts in Oswestry have been busy getting stuck in ahead of an important visit later this summer.

The town will once again be welcoming judges from the Heart of England in Bloom competition, with their arrival expected on Wednesday, July 20.

Supporters of Oswestry In Bloom have been bringing colour to the town centre in recent weeks in preparation of the annual visit.

A spokesperson for In Bloom said: "You may have noticed the hanging baskets going up in the town centre going up this week and the large planters located around the town also getting their summer bedding.

"Some of the community projects underway are to improve the planting at the coach park in Oswald Road and the Church Street wall planters have been planted up by Oswestry School students and will be going out shortly. They always produce a fabulous display.

"Oswestry BID (Business Improvement District) have sponsored the new planting on the Morrison’s roundabout working in conjunction with the Oswestry In Bloom Committee.

"Special thanks are extended to Brian Barnfield who was helped with the planting by In Bloom committee members Peter Cherrington and Mike Harding."

OTHER NEWS:

Meanwhile, a reminder has gone out for those who want to enter this year's Oswestry In Bloom Competition, which looks at residential gardens, and floral displays in community groups, businesses and more.

The deadline for entries is Friday, June 24.

Some of the categories include Best Commercial Premises (Town Centre), Best Dressed Window (Town Centre in the theme of wildlife, Best Kept Schoool, Best Residential Balcony and Best Residential Patio – but in total there are 14 to choose from.

Once again Margaret Thrower, daughter of famed gardener Percy, will be visiting the town to judge entries on July 28 and 29.

For more information and an entry form, please contact Louise Humphreys at the council on 01691 680222 or email louisehumphreys@oswestry-tc.gov.uk.