BRITAIN in Bloom judges were impressed with the horticultural efforts of two Tynedale communities last week.

Judges Andrew Jackson and Geraldine King had an overnight stay at Corbridge’s Angel Inn before an 8.30am start to assess the village’s efforts on Thursday.

Determined to improve on last year’s Silver Gilt award in the small town category, Corbridge in Bloom volunteers have been out sweeping, weeding and dead-heading displays.

“We’re very pleased with how things went,” said Corbridge in Bloom chairman Neville Rutherford.

A reception was laid on for the judges in the parish hall, where local councillors and community leaders talked the guests through the last 12 months before they were given an extensive tour of the village.

“The impact of flooding was a big thing for us to explain,” said Neville.

“We told them how the Bridge End Allotments and village car park were all under water in December.”

Extra efforts have also been made by the 14-strong Corbridge in Bloom group to show how the village supports bio-diversity – with dozens of bat boxes, bird boxes and hedgehog homes installed.

A day later, Roger Burnett, chairman of the RHS In Bloom judging panel, and judge Teresa Potter arrived in Bellingham.

One of five finalists in the village category, Bellingham was judged on its horticulture, environmental responsibility and community participation.

Roger said: “Bellingham is a lovely place to be and they have done the community aspect really well.”

Teresa added: “All communities we have seen have celebrated their work, which is really important. In Bloom is a great way of showing the rest of the country what they have to offer.”

The communities will find out if their hard work has paid off next month when the entries selected for the Britain in Bloom finals in Birmingham will be revealed.