Mansfield was blooming, as judges from the East Midlands In Bloom competition were given a guided tour of the district.

Judges Mel Henley and Diane Moore were welcomed by deputy mayor Mick Barton and then shown around the district by officers from the parks team as well as portfolio holder for the environment, Coun Andrew Tristram.

They visited schools, allotments, community gardens and businesses as well as touring the town centre, which was led by representatives from the Mansfield Business Improvement District (BID).
Judges also met volunteers carrying out work on nature reserves and gardens.

They chatted to volunteers from Maun Conservation Group and residents from Vale Court, who showed their centre’s newly-refurbished garden and seating area.

They also visited the Little Roots allotment project at Longyards allotments, Mansfield Woodhouse, and St Edmund’s community orchard, meeting fundraisers and volunteers.

School children from Wynndale, Berry Hill and King Edward primary schools showed judges their environmental projects.

Last year, Mansfield was awarded with a silver gilt award in the cities category.

Coun Tristram said: “The judges were able to see some of the great work and projects taking place across Mansfield in our parks and open spaces.

“I hope that all the hard work and dedication shown by everyone involved, from council staff to school children and the excellent friends and community groups, will be rewarded when the results are announced in September.”