ROYSTON came under the spotlight from Anglia in Bloom judges today. George Dawson and Brian Swift from Anglia in Bloom were given a tour of the town by members of the Royston in Bloom committee. They will now compile their report, the results of which wil

ROYSTON came under the spotlight from Anglia in Bloom judges today.

George Dawson and Brian Swift from Anglia in Bloom were given a tour of the town by members of the Royston in Bloom committee.

They will now compile their report, the results of which will be revealed at the Anglia in Bloom awards, which are being held in September.

Mr Dawson, who is chair of the judges, said: "I've been very impressed with Royston, the town is looking very clean and tidy and they've done a good job with the displays.

"One of the main things we look for is sustainability - it's not just about flowers but more about the legacy for the town, and I think that is something which is very strong in Royston," he said.

During their tour, the judges were shown around the Priory Memorial Gardens, as well as viewing displays at Royston Museum and Royston Hospital.

They also met young gardeners from Studlands Rise School, and Mr Dawson was quick to pay tribute to the children.

He said: "The children were very knowledgeable and obviously very passionate about gardening.

"When they take an interest at such a young age they will usually grow up to be good citizens who take pride in their town," he added.

Lorraine Coombes, who runs the after school gardening club at Studlands Rise, said: "The children are extremely enthusiastic. We've got about 20 members of the club and they've undertaken various projects over the last school year.

"They're already very excited about what they'll be doing at the club next year," she said.

Angela Louch, chair of the Royston in Bloom committee, said: "We've tried to involve the whole of Royston, not just the usual places in the centre of town, and I think that impressed the judges.

"It's quite hard to gauge their reactions, but they've taken a lot of photographs so we're hopeful about our chances," she said.

Two entries from Anglia in Bloom will be put forward to Britain in Bloom, and Royston faces competition from 75 other towns to grab one of the two spots for the region.