THE whole community turned out to welcome judges from the Heart of England in Bloom committee to Upton on Monday.

Judges Bob Harris and Les Goodman arrived at the waterside in a boat piloted by Steve Arber, from Upton Marina, and were greeted by children from Upton Primary School and Upton Hillbillies, some of whom presented the judges with posies.

They were then led around the town by Lindsay Dyke, from Upton Tourist Information Centre, former mayor Eric White and advisor Doug Fletcher.

Stops included Hanley Road car park, New Street, Berrow Court, Gardeners Walk, Minge Lane and Welland Road, where the judges were shown the site for the new doctors' surgery.

The group then walked down Old Street until they reached the Pepperpot, where Upton Youth Band was playing and where they viewed the town's centrepiece, the Rotary Club wheel made up in blue and yellow flowers.

Mr Fletcher said he felt the judges had been impressed by what they saw and said he had high hopes the town would retain its gold in the large village category.

"I think they were well impressed with the watering system and the Rotary wheel and they commented on the community involvement.

"It really went well. I think we've got a good chance of holding that gold," he said.

The judges' decision will be announced on September 10.