GREEN-fingered residents in Accrington are gearing up to scoop a second major prize in the Britain in Bloom competition.

The town is one of nine competing for the title of Britain's most colourful large town.

Accrington was put forward to represent the North West this August after winning the regional title last year

Other entrants are Bury St Edmunds, Perth, Carrickfergus, Durham, Abingdon, Bridlington, Taunton and Whitehaven.

Group director general Professor Graham Ashworth said: "Nearly 1,500 communities nationwide entered the Britain in Bloom regional competitions last year, so Accrington is already a winner for getting so far.

"Everyone wants to be proud of the place in which they live and through their splendid effort, the people of Accrington have well and truly put their community on the map."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.