Wisbech has been selected from more than 1,000 entrants to take part in the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Britain in Bloom UK Finals 2014.

Cambs Times: Anglia in Bloom, Wisbech St Peter's Church.Anglia in Bloom, Wisbech St Peter's Church. (Image: Archant)

The campaign celebrates its 50th anniversary this year and finalists were chosen for their efforts to engage all members of the community, for demonstrating exceptional commitment to helping the environment and for horticultural achievement.

Wisbech was among those chosen following the regional stage of judging in 2013 from a total of 50 groups in the region.

Chairman of Anglia in Bloom, Bob Ollier said: “Anglia in Bloom knows the importance of the continuity of work of all the Bloom groups from the region, who continue to raise horticultural standards, improve environmental quality and reach out to numerous members of the community, business organisations and visitors to the region.

“The Anglia Regional finalists and all our entrants deserve a huge thank you from all of those within the business areas, communities and organisations who continue to reap the benefits, and we wish all the bloom groups every success for 2014.”

The shortlisted groups will be visited by two RHS judges who will meet community representatives and go on a tour of local projects.

As well as the usual bedding displays, judges will inspect everything from local recycling initiatives to areas of natural habitat and conservation. They’ll also be looking at the management of street furniture and public parks and assessing how well the group is responding to climate change and local challenges.

Special awards will be presented to finalists demonstrating excellence in specific areas such as planting for pollinators and community involvement.

Each group is going for Gold in the hope of being crowned winner of their individual categories.

Wisbech has been a consistent representative in the Britain in Bloom finals each year.

The results will be announced at an awards ceremony in Bristol this October and will be attended by representatives of all 72 finalists.

Stephanie Eynon, RHS Community Horticulture Manager, said: “This is a really special year to be an RHS Britain in Bloom UK finalist because it’s the fiftieth anniversary of the campaign.

“We would like to congratulate every group for reaching the finals of RHS Britain in Bloom but of course it’s not about beating fellow finalists, it’s about volunteers of all ages and walks of life gaining recognition for their extraordinary efforts to improve streets and neighbourhoods in towns, villages and cities across Britain. “

The story of Britain in Bloom began in 1964 when the tourist board wanted a way to market the country through floral displays.

Since the RHS took over as the organising body in 2001, the focus of the campaign has widened to include helping the environment, strengthening communities and inspiring more people to get involved.