GARDENERS, volunteers, and council staff are awaiting the verdict after judges from RHS North West in Bloom and Britain in Bloom came to the borough.

The judges were taken on a tour of sites in Bury and Radcliffe to look at floral displays as well as environmental projects, examples of conservation and evidence of support from businesses and hands-on support from the community.

Bury has won a gold award and the Best Large Town prize for the last 13 years, while Radcliffe has previously won silver-gilt and gold awards over the last few years.

This year, Bury represented the region in the Britain in Bloom finals for the seventh time since 2005, 2015 being the first year the town won the category of Small City, also with a gold.

Councillor Alan Quinn, cabinet member for the environment, said: “Producing successful In Bloom results year on year is a fantastic achievement and clearly demonstrates what can be pulled off when council teams work in partnership with the local community.

“Thanks to volunteer groups and sponsorship and help from local businesses, including Newbank and Summerseat garden centres, the ‘In Bloom’ project is virtually cost neutral to the council.

“Whatever the official results, the quality of our environment is a credit to everyone involved.”