OSWESTRY made its bid for gold in the Heart of England In Bloom awards as the best of the town was shown to judges last week.

Judges were greeted by town mayor Councillor Jay Moore as well as Oswestry in Bloom members and council staff as they were shown around town.

Natalie Bainbridge, Oswestry in Bloom chairman, admitted she was delighted with how the day went, with judges impressed by what they saw.

"I would like to thank everyone for all their hard work in the build up to visit from the Heart Of England judges on July 20," she said.

"We felt it was a very positive and successful day and the judges seemed to really enjoy their visit and the town looked amazing, despite the morning rain.

"It was a credit to everyone involved including the Marches School, Os Nosh, the Allotments and the Cambrian Railway.

"The best comment we received from one of the judges was that he’s really inspired to return as a tourist/visitor.

“We hopefully sold the ethos, innovation and passion for the town and should be proud of ourselves."

David Clough, town centre and markets manager at Oswestry Town Council, explained how the day unfolded for the judges.

And he thanked all those who helped show off the town at its best for the judges' visit.

He said: "To begin the visit the mayor welcomed the judges at the Guildhall and then they later received a presentation from the town clerk Arren Roberts.

"The judges then followed the walking tour of the town where they met key partners Oswestry Business Improvement District (BID) on their way to the park.

"Following a tour of the park the judges enjoyed a Rickshaw ride to the Marches School where they met some pupils who have been learning various horticultural skills.

"The next visit was to the fantastic Os Nosh project where home growing, reduced wastage and good food are being championed. The judges then visited the allotments and finally enjoyed a train journey on the heritage railway all the way to Weston Wharf.

"Thanks go to Oswestry Town Council and all the volunteers who helped and all the organisations who gave up their time to meet the judges and make their areas even better."