Sleaford was being judged for the larger sized town category of the regional competition up against stiff opposition from towns such as Spalding, Newark, Buxton and Market Harborough.

The two judges were shown around the high spots by volunteers of the Sleaford In Bloom committee and although seemingly impressed, will not announce their decision until the awards ceremony in September.

Committee member Ada Trethewey felt the day had gone superbly with so many people doing their bit to make the town look great. Sleaford is one of the only towns which does most of the growing and planting by volunteers.

Judges were impressed by the progress that had been made in such areas as the entry into the cemetery of the year awards and the Sleaford Business Improvement District's contribution.

Mrs Trethewey said: "Walking round with the judges brings home just how much the ordinary people of Sleaford are participating in a whole range of ways and the BID has given a big boost as retailers are now thinking in terms of bloom effort."

As well as viewing the splendid baskets and new planters festooning the town centre, they also spent some time touring the cemetery, the allotments, Lollycocks Field, the library window display and talked to commercial and pub/restaurant premises being judged at McDonalds and the Carre Arms for their displays. They also viewed the murals in the Market Place and Station Road and learned about projects at Mareham Pastures and Rauceby Banks from Sleaford In Bloom committee member Pauline Dobson who is working on a two year project with the local schools.