Floral glory bid is on track

Lytham scooped gold at the Britain in Bloom finals last year and was then invited to compete against international competition in the Communities in Bloom event 2011 for the very first time.

After a slow start the town’s bid is taking shape.

Chairman Jim Leek said: “It is a little bit slow with the planting, but I’m sure we will get there.

“The availability of plants coming in was slow, then we had wet weather and dry weather and it has just put everything back, I think.

“We always try to work towards club day and of course, they all set off in other parts of Fylde before coming to Lytham and that’s what makes it a little bit later.

“Everything is coming along and we always get into this state when it comes to judging. It always gets like this and we start making everything looking pristine.”

Lytham will compete in the large town category at the international event. The only other British town taking part is Garstang, in the small town section.

They will be taking on towns and cities from other parts or Europe and countries including Canada, the USA and Japan.

Judging will take place on July 20, with the results being announced in Quebec at the end of October.

The judging criteria for Communities in Bloom is much the same as Britain in Bloom with a great emphasis on environmental responsibility and community involvement, as well as the need to demonstrate wonderful floral and horticultural displays.

Lytham is also competing in North West in Bloom.