Ten volunteers from Halstead in Bloom will attend the official launch of Anglia in Bloom at the gardens of Beth Chatto in Elmstead Market.

The event on March 25 marks just over four months until judges come to visit the town.

Halstead in Bloom secretary Julia Smith said: “We don’t start really until the end of May, but now is the time to start looking at what needs to be done.

“We can do the painting and tidying up and that sort of thing.

“We are also helping in the public gardens with tidying up the shrubs and beds.

“It’s really a time to look forward to the summer that’s to come.”

Last year, Halstead scooped the top prize in its category for the fifth year running.

The town won gold in the best town under 12,000 residents category but lost its crown for best overall winner to Filby in Norfolk by just one point.

Judges are due to visit in July and the winners will be announced on September 17.