GREEN-fingered Studley residents are hoping to say it with flowers when judges descend on the village as part of the Britain in Bloom competition tomorrow.

Organisers of the Studley in Bloom project are looking to impress the visiting experts with their colourful hanging baskets, blooming borders and resplendent traffic islands.

Studley in Bloom committee chairman Justin Sayers said: "This year we have worked on the library quadrangle and improved the appearance of the island by the Barley Mow pub."

He explained the village had entered the competition in the 'small town' category for the last six or seven years.

"Every year we try and get a little bit bigger. Last year we got a bronze award and we hope to get at least that again," he said.

Mr Sayers said the whole community had worked very hard to prepare the village for the judges.

"We have had more helpers this year and slightly more money. The village looks very colourful", he added.

The Heart of England Tourist Board is running to competition as part of the wider Royal Horticultural Society's Britain in Bloom contest. Winners of the regional heats will go through to the national final.

The aim of the campaign is to encourage communities to improve and regenerate their environment by planting trees, shrubs and flowers, attractive landscaping, conservation and recycling projects. It also includes removal of litter, graffiti and vandalism.