HALSTEAD’S award-winning In Bloom team are hoping they will be in the running for an unprecedented 11th gold crown after judges come to inspect the town’s tomorrow.

Halstead In Bloom – a band of green-fingered enthusiasts formed in 1999 – made it an astonishing ten victories in a row when they took the medium-sized town title last year.

The volunteers are responsible for the town’s stunning flower displays and other projects for the In Bloom bid.

They are now hoping their tireless efforts over the past months will yet again impress Anglia In Bloom’s expert judges when they visit tomorrow.

Halstead In Bloom chairman Margaret Eskins said: “The flower and floral displays are looking really good this year and we have had a lot of people complimenting us on the work we have done.

“Obviously we would like to win an 11th gold.

“That would be wonderful, so hopefully the judges will be pleased with they see.

“All of the other towns will be working just as hard, however, but we will try our best to bring another trophy back to the town.”

The visit will see judges taken on a tour of the town, visiting all of the major flower hotspots – some of which will also be in contention for individual accolades.

They will also be treated to an impressive floral rocket display, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, opposite the Causeway.

The vibrant displays are the result of hours of hard work from the group’s volunteers, who have been taking part in regular working parties across the town, readying it ahead of the judges’ arrival.

Mrs Eskins said: “They are absolutely amazing, we couldn’t do anything without them.

“I would say we have the best team in the country because they are wonderful and just get on with the job.

“They all muck in and do whatever is required of them.”

Halstead In Bloom also works in close co-operation with Halstead Town Council, and the mayor has often praised the group for its contribution to the community.

A council spokesman said: “We certainly wish Halstead In Bloom well and thank them for all the floral beauty they bring to the town.”

The Anglia in Bloom winners will be announced later this year.