EVESHAM residents pulled out all the stops to make their town blossom for judges.

Laura Russell and Jennifer Wharton, the two judges from the Royal Horticultural Society representing the Heart of England Tourist Board, took a tour of the town on Monday, July 18, after their entry in the Britain in Bloom contest.

The pair were met by the mayor and mayoress of Evesham, Councillor Fred Kaler and Sue Amor, the town clerk of Evesham Stuart Carter, and Shawn Riley, Evesham town centre manager, who gave them the tour.

The visit took in the gardens at Yates Court Retirement Home, and Abbey Manor where the group viewed its gardens and the obelisk commemorating those who died in the Battle of Evesham.

The judges and group also visited St Mary's Catholic Primary School, the High Street and Market Square, the Almonry Museum, and Evesham's Bell Tower.

There was a stop at Abbey Park, where Lynn Stevens, Wychavon Parks Officer, gave a conducted tour, and the day finished with visits to see the gardens of Abbey Bridge and up Abbey Road, on to the planters of Merstow Green - which featured the royal colours of purple and gold - and Raphael's of Hampton Ferry, where everyone enjoyed refreshments.

Diana Raphael, co-ordinator of Evesham's entry to Britain in Bloom, said: "The weather was very kind and the tour was enjoyed by all."

Evesham residents will discover if they have been successful in winning the competition when the results of the competition are announced on Thursday, September 15, at Aldridge.