HALSTEAD in Bloom’s preparations are already under way for next year’s competition as the town looks to continue its success.

Halstead was voted the Best Town in the Anglia in Bloom contest and crowned the Best Overall Entry.

As a result it has been put forward as Anglia’s entry into Britain in Bloom 2017.

Julia Smith, Halstead in Bloom secretary and winner of the Community Champion Award, said: “We are thrilled. It will be hard work but it is always worth it in the end.

“We are already planning the best route to take the judges along and making it pristine.

“Anglia in Bloom is set for July and Britain in Bloom for August but a lot of the hard work goes in now.

“The volunteers have been out litter picking this week, and there is lots of painting and cleaning which can be done over winter.”

Mrs Smith said success would top off what has been a successful year for the Halstead in Bloom team and the town they represent.

She said: “Usually there are about seven or eight towns in Britain in Bloom but I am unsure who has been included this year.

“In 2013 we won Best Town in Britain in Bloom and then in 2014 we won a Gold Award in the Champions of Champions competition.

“But it is an honour just to have the chance to take part in these competitions.

“The town has had an amazing year, and for many people success would be like the cherry on the cake.”

Halstead in Bloom calenders are on sale. They have a global audience with a number of calenders being shipped to family, friends, and former residents around the world.

The calenders are available from the Halstead Town Council building and a number of shops around the town.