ORGANISERS of Whalley in Bloom said they are feeling positive after judges visited the village yesterday.

A better day could not have been chosen for Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) judges Jeff Bates and Sue Wood to observe what Whalley has tirelessly worked for.

More than 30 volunteers and 12 committee members worked up to two to three hours a day during the spring and summer months to make sure every hanging basket and green space looked as good as it could for the small town category.

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Michael Wedgeworth, from the Whalley in Bloom said he was delighted on how the visit from the judges went. He said: “The judges arrived on a splendid afternoon in Whalley and saw the village for what it is, a beautiful place within East Lancashire.”

The judges spent the day analysing four main areas: horticultural skill; environmental improvements; cooperation with local businesses and sustainability. And looked at key points of interest including the railway station; the primary school; the village centre and the Whalley Abbey.

Mr Wedgeworth said he was impressed with the £5,000 raised to create grants for the community to help improve the village.

“The money was raised in the majority through coffee mornings and generous donations. The grants were used to buy plants and improve areas that wouldn’t have had the opportunity otherwise,” he said.

Terry Hill, Whalley’s councillor said he was so happy with the efforts put in from the village.

Mr Wedgeworth said he felt very positive with how the judging went and hopes the village gets something out of it. He said: “We don’t do it to win but we would love to come away with something, for all the hard efforts the people have put in.”

Residents will have to wait until Friday, October 15 where an awards ceremony in Sunderland will be held.