BEAUTIFUL Bracknell will go for gold after being shortlisted in the finals of Britain in Bloom.

The Bracknell in Bloom bid has been selected from more than 1,000 entrants and will compete in the Small City Category.

This is the second consecutive year Bracknell will be representing Thames and Chilterns in the national finals, which are organised by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).

Allan Moffat, chairman of Bracknell in Bloom, described the nomination as “a huge honour”. He said: “This year’s Britain in Bloom theme is ‘Growing for Gold’ and we are planning plenty of golden floral displays to brighten up the town while it is being regenerated.” “Last year’s judges were particularly impressed with the partnership approach to public service delivery and the high level of community involvement in the Bracknell in Bloom campaign.

“We want to build on this, and involve as many people as possible in this year’s campaign to ensure Bracknell looks ‘Blooming Beautiful.” Two RHS judges will be visiting Bracknell in the summer and will be taken on a three-hour tour, including Bracknell’s horticultural highlights, environmental initiatives and community projects.

Bracknell in Bloom will compete against Bath, Chorley, Crawley, Derry City, Harrogate, Tamworth and Loughborough.

This year’s campaign will be launched in April, however, Bracknell’s public horticultural competition, Your Gardens, will be launched on Sunday, February 23, at the “Celebrating Woods Day” family event at Jocks Lane Recreation Ground.

The competition is an important part of the campaign and many entrants feature on the Bracknell in Bloom tour.

There will be prizes for the tallest sunflower, allotments, all types of front gardens, the best collection of gardens in a street, community areas and community gardens, school gardens and young gardeners, as well as gardens and displays around businesses.If you are interested in taking part, ring Bracknell Forest Homes on 01344 382933 or Margaret Corridan, Bracknell Horticultural Association on 01344 425881.

For further information, visit www.digforbracknell.org.uk or Bracknell in Bloom’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/BracknellinBloom