HARD-working groups of volunteers in Tynedale are preparing for visits from Britain in Bloom judges next week.

Corbridge in Bloom volunteers will be welcoming the judges on August 4. Chosen again this year as finalists in the small town category, the group is hoping to improve on last year’s silver-gilt accolade by scooping a coveted gold award in the Royal Horticultural Society event.

Months of planning colour schemes, planting out and watering displays have led up to the big day.

At the same time, villagers and businesses have been tasked with keeping the village in tip-top condition for visits from judges for the region-wide Northumbria in Bloom competition, the latest of which took place on July 20.

“The flowers are absolutely beautiful and the whole thing has obviously been so carefully thought out,” said county councillor for Corbridge Jean Fearon at the latest meeting of Corbridge Parish Council.

Parish council chairman Coun. Maurice Hodgson said: “I think it’s often something we take for granted but the Corbridge in Bloom group do a fantastic job.

“Corbridge is one of only five small towns across Britain to have been selected for the national competition and we shouldn’t forget that.”

Along with Bellingham, Corbridge will fly the flag for Tynedale on the national stage after being selected from more than 600 entrants.

Bellingham in Bloom volunteers are equally excited for the arrival of the judges on August 5.

Chairman of the group Christine Bragg is confident they have done all they can to make Bellingham look as bright and colourful as possible.

“We have done our very best and we have never seen so many hanging baskets. We have pulled out all the stops and even painted the litter bins and poles on street signs.”

This is the sixth year Bellingham has entered the Northumbria in Bloom competition.

And it has received a gold award for the last three.

The volunteers hope to emulate this success at their first time in Britain in Bloom.

Christine added: “Everybody in the village and the parish council have been wonderful; pots have appeared out of nowhere.”