VOLUNTEERS throughout Halesowen’s community have been praised for their contribution to the town’s Britain in Bloom bid.

Halesowen are one of 76 community gardening groups who are battling it out in the final of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) contest, where the team are hoping to claim victory in the ‘Urban Community’ category.

Three RHS assessors visited the town last week to judge Halesowen in Bloom across a range of criteria that includes horticultural know-how, community engagement, efforts to bolster biodiversity and climate change adaptation.

After being taken on a whistle-stop tour of the town, RHS judge Mark Wasilewski congratulated the project’s volunteers for their passion and hard work.

Speaking at St John’s Church, Mr Wasilewski said: “It has been a particularly trying year for us all – drought when we didn’t want it and when the rain came, it came so heavily that it nearly washed all the blooms away.

“So I know it’s been particularly challenging to all of those who have been out watering.

“One of the things I noticed coming round Halesowen is we certainly have met so many individuals who are representing the community in so many different ways, with so much energy and enthusiasm.

“It really has been a great inspiration to us, to be able to see the great work you gave been doing.

“You’ve got some challenges and challenging events ahead, but we saw some absolutely wonderful projects you’re all involved with.

“I know there’s so many people behind the scenes who have worked so hard throughout the season because you believe in Halesowen and you’re so passionate about the area which you live.

“I’ve never been to Halesowen before, but it’s been absolutely fascinating to see this town and we wish you well for the rest of the year.”

It is now a nervous wait for the Halesowen in Bloom team as their competitors also welcome the judges, but chairman, Eve O’Connor, believes the town are already winners – regardless of the final result.

This year’s Britain in Bloom results will be announced at a ceremony in Belfast on October 19.