Judges have visited a North Cumbrian village to determine its quality as part of a county-wide horticultural competition.
Irthington in Bloom is the group run by green-fingered stalwart Danny Poland, who has been instrumental in transforming the village of Irthington into one worthy of not only a county-wide competition, but a nationwide one, which is run by the Royal Horticultural Society – Britain in Bloom.
The county-centric version, Cumbria in Bloom, is what they were being judged for this time, as judges entered the idyllic village on Tuesday, July 12.
Danny Poland said: “The village has never looked better, and we are a closer community because of all of our efforts.
“We couldn't have imagined that so many people in Irthington would be involved, I'm so thankful to everyone who's participating and helping Irthington in Bloom in any way.”
Danny also spoke on how great the Cumbria County Council waste services team has been, particularly Neil Dixon, the operations manager, who gave his personal assurance that the village would be immaculate.
Danny added: “Never could we imagine the lengths they would go to to ensure this.
“They have been meticulous in their efforts.
“They have looked after us amazingly well.”
Edith Dunn who lives in Irthington said: "I hope that everyone will wipe their feet before entering the village."
The dedicated judge was Catherine Eastwood, joined by Ali Gordon and Cath Halfpenny. Catherine said: “We were impressed with how much work and effort has gone into making the village look so well.
“We were pleased with the high level of achievement in such a short time, the enthusiasm shown to us and wish Danny and all the volunteers good luck on the day the RHS, Britain in Bloom judges visit."
Britain in Bloom judges will visit the village on Saturday, August 6.
It is the first time Irthington has entered into the finals of the Britain in Bloom competition.
Their theme for Irthington in Bloom is Nature’s Friend, and various projects have been going on in the village throughout the year to illustrate this, such as a bird box making session with the RSPB and the local Irthington Village School.
READ MORE: Irthington reaches finals of Britain in Bloom Awards for the first time
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