CLEETHORPES has done all it can in its quest for Britain In Bloom gold status – and the judges were impressed.

Martyn Hird and John Woodward spent the day being shown around the resort and surrounding areas by Cleethorpes In Bloom committee members and key local figures yesterday.

From the town hall to Pier Gardens, and from Ross Castle to Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway, plus many more scenic places en route, the judges were given a grand tour of how 'blooming' marvellous Cleethorpes is.

Britain In Bloom judges John Woodward, left, and Martyn Hird, second from left, make notes at their first stop, the allotment and herb gardens in Sea Road

As reported, the town has entered into the coastal resort category of Britain In Bloom, in competition with six others including Bridlington, Colwyn Bay and Bangor.

Along their way, Mr Hird and Mr Woodward, of the Royal Horticultural Society, met people including Grimsby Telegraph deputy editor Michelle Hurst – next to the paper's flower bed in Kingsway, resort manager Rob Chalmers, Tony Burman, a senior warden at North East Lincolnshire Council, with children from William Barcroft School, Councillor Leanor Pidgen and others, who all explained their own roles in keeping the resort clean, attractive and natural.

And Mr Woodward believes Cleethorpes could have exactly what they are looking for. He said: "We want to see community involvement. Seeing a lot of people involved gives the right impression.

"Cleethorpes has a very good chance and we have had a really good time. We have been impressed."

Mr Hird said: "Everyone here is very happy and we have been very impressed. Those involved are doing a very good job.

"We have been impressed with how clean it is and it is very good horticulturally."

Cleethorpes In Bloom committee chairman Bob Callison in the Pier Gardens

In 2007, Cleethorpes won the silver gilt prize. Members of the Cleethorpes In Bloom committee are confident they have done all they can in their attempts to be awarded the prestigious gold award.

Co-ordinator Lee Beckett said: "We are going for gold – that is the aim.

"I am very confident we can do well and I am sure we will.

"It isn't all about the flowers and how nice it looks, it is about it being a good natural habitat and keeping it clean as well."

Committee members and community wardens were kept busy throughout the day as they prepared for the arrival of the judges, who started their tour at 2.45pm, finishing shortly before 6pm.

Cleethorpes In Bloom chairman Bob Callison – who compared the possibility of gold status to scoring a World Cup Final goal – said preparations had started in the early hours of the morning.

He said: "We have been tidying up the resort, clearing the litter and making sure everything looks as good as it does.

"It is the day we have been waiting for – a really big day – and we are confident of doing well.

"We want to place on record a huge thanks to everyone who has helped us out in the community, everyone has pulled together and made it look really nice."

Vice-chairman Jeff Blanchard said: "I think the day went really well.

"The weather has been good, and although the traffic along the route was busy, that was good as it meant there were a lot of tourists about – which we didn't expect.

"All the hard work has been worth it."

Mr Chalmers said: "It is fantastic to see the judges of Britain In Bloom here and it shows that Cleethorpes is being put back on the map.

"The resort is looking beautiful."

The results of Britain In Bloom will be announced at a glittering presentation night in Torquay, on Wednesday, September 23.