JUDGES from Heart of England in Bloom have visited Stonehouse as the town aims for a gold award in this year's competition.

After months of hard work, volunteers took judges Roger Bache and Mark Wiltshire on a tour of the town where they saw Stonehouse looking at its best on Tuesday.

The town was awarded silver at last year's awards - when it entered for the first time in 11 years - and this time volunteers are hoping to go one better.

Deborah Curtis, treasurer of the Stonehouse in Bloom committee, said: "The judges were very positive and said the High Street looked really colourful.

"It has been a big community effort and one of the nice things this year has been that all sections of the community have got involved.

"It has lifted everyone's spirits to see the town looking so lovely and brought everyone together."

The town will now have to wait until results are announced in mid-September.

Volunteers are already preparing for next year's competition.

If you would like to help contact Liz Lawrence at the town council on 01453 822070.