THE Mayor of Dudley will show his support for Halesowen’s bid to win a coveted ‘In Bloom’ award when a national panel of judges visits the town next week.

A team of more than 100 volunteers from across the town is busy putting the finishing touches to the Halesowen in Bloom entry for the national finals of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Britain in Bloom 2018.

Having scooped their third gold medal in last year’s regional heats, Halesowen in Bloom was put forward to represent the whole of the Heart of England in the award’s national urban community category.

They face stiff competition from teams across the country, but the Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Alan Taylor, is confident Halesowen has what it takes to take the title.

Cllr Taylor, a Halesowen South councillor, said: “The team behind Halesowen in Bloom is working so hard to create wonderful floral and art displays to represent the town, borough and wider region on a national scale.

“They are a shining example of what it means to be community spirited and are deserving nominees of the coveted national prize.

“I look forward to meeting the Royal Horticultural Society judges next month and wish the team the very best of luck.”

Judges will be visiting the town on Thursday, August 2, before the winners of the national awards are announced in October.

Cllr Karen Shakespeare, cabinet member for environmental services, added: “Once again our environmental services team is happy to support this event in partnership with the volunteers.

“The town is looking exceptional, which is a credit to all involved, made more challenging than usual by the current heat wave.”