THE day of judgement arrived in Bolton's attempt to win the Britain in Bloom competition.

After months of potting, planting and pruning, leading horticultural experts David Jones and Bob Sweet arrived to decide if Bolton's blooms were the best of the bunch.

They spent several hours touring the town - but were keeping mum about their deliberations.

Part of their brief was see if Bolton had addressed issues such as nature conservation and recycling. Bolton faces tough competition from six other towns and cities including Kensington, Chelsea and Nottingham in the large city category. Alan Woods, chief executive of the Tidy Britain Group said: "Britain in Bloom showcases the very best of this country's bright, beautiful and clean communities." Pictured from left, back row are Adrian Norcross, horticultural manager, Anthony Bremner, community development officer (environment) and Trevor Leese, people and place manager. Front row: Jane Stead, Barton Grange general manager, Bill Moran, cleansing manager and Britain in Bloom judges David Jones and Bob Sweet