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

The judges were given a whistle-stop tour of Mansfield’s award-winning parks, town centre, open spaces and community projects, including the St Edmunds Church Community Orchard, the Longyards allotments, Mansfield Woodhouse Cemetery and the Wynndale Primary School.

They were also given a special In Bloom Portfolio which detailed a large variety of activities that have taken place over the past year, thanks to the friends of the parks, community groups and local nature reserves.

Criteria for the judging included horticultural achievement, environmental responsibilities and community participation. The judges also assessed nature conservation, sustainability, permanent planting and cleanliness of the district.

The results will be announced in September. Winners from the East Midlands in Bloom competition may then compete for the Britain in Bloom title. Last year, Mansfield was awarded silver gilt in the city category.

Cllr Andrew Tristram, Portfolio Holder for the Environment at Mansfield District Council, said: “This was a great opportunity for us to showcase the amazing work being carried out in our parks and open spaces by our staff and excellent friends’ and community groups. The community projects, in particular, demonstrate how local people are coming together to improve their environment and make Mansfield a green and pleasant place to live.”