THE borough is out to claim a sixth consecutive title in the annual North West in Bloom contest.

With five consecutive wins in the Best Large Town category to its name, Bury is hoping it can maintain its success this time around.

This year’s North West in Bloom winners will be announced in October.

The town was presented at its very best during the competition’s recent judging.

Competition officials Bill Blackledge, Trevor Leese and Malcolm Kirby were taken on a three-hour tour of the area, including Radcliffe, to look at the best floral displays, feature tributes, permanent landscaping and examples of conservation, environmental projects and community involvement.

Cllr Dorothy Gunther, Bury Council’s executive member for environment and transport, said: “As part of the cleaner, safer, greener programme, improvements throughout Bury can now clearly be seen.

“The excellent displays and innovative features, as well as the cleanliness of our town, are all good for residents, visitors and local businesses alike.”

Neil Long, the council’s assistant director of leisure services, said: “A great amount of teamwork and community involvement has been necessary to achieve the outstanding results of recent years and our hope is that this will again be recognised by the judges.

“In the meantime ‘Bury in Bloom’ is here for all to enjoy.”

The judges visited Openshaw and Whitehead parks, which have Green Flag status; St Thomas’ Primary School educational garden, Pimhole Community Farm, sponsored roundabouts, formal gardens in the town centre including Gallipoli Garden and Craig House gardens, where feature tributes are in place; Greenhill Primary School’s gardens, Walnut Avenue allotments and Burrs Country Park.

Judges also had the chance to see a range of other sites along the route and were able to meet the Mayor of Bury, Cllr Sheila Magnall, Cllr Dorothy Gunther, park rangers, teachers and a number of community representatives.