In-bloom judges in covert visit

The two covet assessors will be the coming to the town before May 13 as the first stage of this year's Britain in Bloom campaign.

Bognor has qualified for the competition's coastal resort category for the second year running because of its success in the South and South East in Bloom contest.

Jim Buttress, the chairman of the Britain in Bloom judges, said: "The spring judging is one way we ensure that the campaign is a year-round project, not just a summer activity.

"The judges come unannounced so that they can evaluate how the community and local authorities maintain their entry and, in particular, will be looking for spring blooms, sustainable planting and cleanliness."

The second stage of the campaign will be the summer judging tour in August.

The same pair of judges will be taken on an official tour of the town by local in Bloom representatives.

Winners will be announced at the Britain in Bloom awards presentation at Coventry on September 26. Bognor won a silver medal in last year's competition.