REGIONAL Britain in Bloom judges were bowled over by blooming Halesowen the huge community effort that had gone into making the town look its best.

Trish Willetts and Graham Redfern toured the town yesterday and were stunned at what has been achieved in just three years.

The town earned a silver gilt in only its first year of entering the prestigious competition, which was followed up with a gold award last year.

The judges said there was strong competition, but if the town - which hopes to retain its gold award - was a category winner, it would move forward into the national competition next year.

They were particularly impressed with the canal boat planter at the bottom of Mucklow Hill and the restoration work going in the Leasowes Walled Garden.

Mrs Willetts said: “The canal boat cost nothing but goodwill and that’s what the competition is all about, people coming together to help the area and Halesowen has got that in abundance.”

Halesowen in Bloom chairman Eve O’Connor thanked all the organisations schools, businesses and individuals who had contributed to making the town look so attractive.