Bloom with a view in the sun

DISPLAY . . . Oldham gardening team leader Lee Gannon (centre) with the judges

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GLORIOUS sunshine helped Oldham's flowerbeds look their best as the North West in Bloom judges toured the borough yesterday.

The judges, Malcolm Eubank and Brian Whalley and trainee judge Sarah Hawkins, made stops throughout the borough examining the hard work and imagination that has gone into this year's competition entry.

Starting at The White Hart, Lydgate, the tour included stops at Uppermill's Brownhill nature garden, Waterhead Academy, Veg in the Park in Waterhead, Alexandra Park, Oldham Library and the town centre flowerbed before watching a short film about Oldham's entry at the Old Town Hall Odeon cinema.

This year's town centre WOW centrepiece features a Bug Hotel, with oversized bugs among the florals, and aims to demonstrate the importance of wildlife and conservation.

Oldham is seeking to retain its Best City in the North-West in Bloom title for a seventh year in a row.

Judging for Saddleworth in Bloom also took place yesterday with Parish Council chairman, Councillor Nikki Kirkham, vice-chairman, Councillor Rob Knotts and the clerk to the council, Pamela Bailey visiting gardens.