Ponteland is preparing for a visit by Royal Horticultural Society judges early next month to rate its bid for a coveted Britain in Bloom award.
It is the region’s hope for the small town category in the national competition, having won gold medals for the past five years in the regional Northumbria in Bloom contest.
A group of volunteers led by former Mayor Robin Ramsay MBE and former town councilor Joyce Butcher has spent months working on the entry, supported by various local organisations, numerous local businesses and the high school, including weeding, litter picking, general tidying up and the creation of stunning floral displays.
Ponteland Mayor Alan Varley said: “The response from the businesses, organisations and the community has been overwhelming this year. Ponteland Town Council would like to thank our contractors, Iain Clough, Michael Champion, Jim Scott, and Derek and Calum Sherlock.
“A big thank you must go to former councillors Joyce Butcher and Robin Ramsay, who despite stepping down from the Town Council in May have provided a great deal of help with both entries which is much appreciated.”
Judges for the small town category Kate Dagnall and Brendan Mowforth will be taken on a tour of the town, including the park, Broadway in Darras Hall and the centre of Ponteland on Wednesday August 9th.
There are 78 finalists, from Aberdeen to St Helier in Jersey, all being assessed across three key criteria: horticultural achievement; community participation; and environmental responsibility. An awards event will be held in Llandudno, North Wales, on Friday October 27th.
For more information on Britain in Bloom visit: rhs.org.uk/communities/