A group dedicated to making their town greener and cleaner has entered a regional horticultural competition.

Thetford & Brandon Times: Daffodils planted by the Brandon in Bloom team. Picture: Sonya DuncanDaffodils planted by the Brandon in Bloom team. Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: Archant Norfolk Photographic © 2015)

Members of Brandon In Bloom are busy preparing the town for the arrival of the Anglia In Bloom judges next month.

The group have entered the town category and are ready to show-off the hard work they have carried out over the past year.

Volunteers will take the Anglia In Bloom judges on a two-and-a-half hour route around the town and will include three areas adopted and maintained by the Brandon In Bloom volunteers.

Rachel Sobiechowski, who started Brandon In Bloom, said: “I am so excited and it is going to be really good.

“The main reason we started Brandon In Bloom was to try and brighten up the town and tidy up areas and this is a good way to get recognition for our volunteers.

“Hopefully at the end of it they will get an award. The community all seem to be behind us and want to get involved.”

Part of the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) Britain in Bloom competition, Anglia In Bloom covers Suffolk, Norfolk, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex and Hertfordshire.

Miss Sobiechowski said two areas maintained by the group have also been entered into special award categories.

The Wedge has been entered into Best Floral Display and Seymour’s Garden for Best Biodiversity Project.

At the Wedge, fruit trees - including apple and cherry - have been planted and sponsored by families in memory of their loved ones.

And 38 species of native wildflowers have been planted at Seymour’s Garden.

Last year the group, which has around 30 core members, planted 9,000 daffodils across the town to represent each resident.

However, following a grant, a further 9,000 crocus and 8,400 native bulbs - including snowdrops, English bluebells and wild garlic - were planted in 32 different areas.

The judges will visit the town on Friday, July 6 between 10am and 12.30pm.

Miss Sobiechowski is hoping the whole town will get involved.

“We are trying to get businesses to join in by perhaps putting plants and flowers outside their shops to welcome the judges,” she said. “People can get their gardens looking nice because the judges judge everything.”