Judgment day for Britain in Bloom

Judges Roger Burnett (right) and Jim Buttress at the underwater themed legacy bed at Broadway junction on Rochdale Road. Children from St Anne's School in Royton helped plant some of the flowers. From the left: Teigan Wheeler, Heidi Burton and Ashleigh Bowskill.

JUDGES for Britain in Bloom assessed Oldham’s entry into the competition yesterday after the borough represented the North-West in last years’ competition.

BBC “Great Allotment Challenge” judge, Jim Buttress was among the judges for 50th anniversary of the competition.

Judging began at Lydgate and then through Uppermill, Dobcross, Delph, Grains Road (Bishops Park), Sholver, Heyside, Turf Lane, Royton (Shaw Road) before going down Rochdale Road into Oldham town centre.

The route was been chosen as part of the authority’s policy to involve communities across Oldham’s six districts.

In October last year Bloom and Grow – Oldham’s entry into North West in Bloom – scooped Best City and was chosen to represent the region in the national event.

This was the fourth year in a row the trophy had been back to the borough.

This year’s theme was ‘gold’ to recognise the RHS Britain in Bloom’s 50th anniversary and focused on improving health through encouraging growing food.