COUNCIL staff and community groups are working round the clock to ensure blooming Burnley looks its best for Friday's visit of the North West in Bloom judges.

In the afternoon the judging will start with a walk around the town centre and a visit to the new peace garden behind the library. They will also look at the Vanguard Community Centre, Thompson and Queen's Park, Park Road Community Centre, in Coveter, and Network 65 business park.

Sanderson Ford has donated a vehicle to transport the judges.

Assistant parks services manager Simon Goff said: "We have numerous attractive parks and feature areas this year, and we have a hard act to follow after winning an award last year for the Italian Gardens in Thompson Park. The tram has made extra efforts again so fingers crossed!"

Assistant town centre manager Lisa Durkin said: "Everyone has worked really hard to arrive at this stage. I will be looking forward to taking the judges round, and showing them the new features we have introduced this year. Let's hope we can impress when the judging is over, visitors and residents will be able to Burnley in Bloom."

Last year the Italian Gardens in Thompson Park won the best feature in a public garden category. The town was given an award as the 'most improved entry'.