GREEN-fingered enthusiasts will be biting their fingernails in anticipation following a tough round of judging as part of a colourful competition to find the best local blooms.

Kendal was plucked, pruned, preened and spruced up ready for the visit from two Cumbria in Bloom judges, who enjoyed a tour of the town’s floral creations last Thursday (July 16).

Councillor Tony Rothwell helped to show the judges the hanging baskets, gardens and other blossoming attractions that have been lovingly created across the town.

He thought the visit had gone very well. “We took them to Castle Park School’s allotment on Sedbergh Road and the judges loved it and then we took them to Stramongate School’s allotment where the kids explained what they were growing and they were delighted by that. You could tell by their faces,” he said.

Coun Rothwell said the judges were also impressed with Oaklea Trust’s therapy garden and the Unitarian Chapel grounds.

“All in all I thought it was very positive,” said Coun Rothwell. “We have tried our best to brighten the town for both residents and visitors.”

Kendal has come out smelling of roses for the past three years winning the title of best large town.

The town now has to wait until an awards ceremony at Graythwaite Manor, Grange-over-Sands, on September 3 to see whether it will be named pick of the bunch for the fourth year running.

The winner will go on to represent the county in Britain in Bloom.