Oakham was blessed with glorious sunshine for yesterday's (Thurs) tour of the town by East Midlands in Bloom judges.

After winning a silver gilt award in the town category last year, the Oakham in Bloom team has its sights firmly set on securing gold.

And thanks to a concerted effort by the organisation's green-fingered volunteers and supporters the floral displays were in tip-top condition for the arrival of judges Diane Moore and Stephen Dando.

Organisation joint-founder and current vice-chairman Joyce Lucas told Oakham Nub News: "It was a hectic day, but the sun shone and everything went well.

"Now we just have to wait for the results which will be announced in September.

"I would like to thank everyone for their hard work and dedication.

"As a community-led, volunteer organisation, Oakham in Bloom is not just about flowers.

"It has many facets, including civic pride and respect for the environment.

"We are fortunate to have the support of local groups, companies and individuals.

"We also rely on the co-operation of Oakham Town Council for its display of hanging baskets and wall mangers and to Rutland County Council which gives support with spraying weeds and grass cutting.

"This year children from Oakham Knight School, a six week course for eight to ten years olds, produced posters for the anti-litter campaign 'Plant Flowers not Litter'.

"The Nifty Knitters created fabulous flowers, enough to adorn 38 lamp posts.

"John Hemmings drove the judges on the tour of the town in a car supplied and sponsored by Tim Norton Motors.

"And after the tour, devised this year by Oakham in Bloom committee member Teresa Thompson, Oakham WI laid on a wonderful buffet - something they do every year.

"Yesterday this was supported by The Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland Dr Sarah Furness, High Sheriff of Rutland Margaret Miles and the Chairman of Rutland County Council Councillor Kenneth Bool."

The judges arrived in town at 10am and were driven on an extensive pre-determined route with stop-offs - including Burley Park Way to view the roundabouts, Catmose Arboretum with its collection of mature and newly-planted trees and Rutland County Museum garden.

They returned to Oakham Library at about 12noon to be met by Oakham in Bloom representatives and supporters before walking to Oakham Castle via Market Place for the buffet lunch.

A post judging wash-up meeting has been called for Tuesday (9 July) when the arrangements for the organisation's AGM and other matters will be discussed.