Bloom time as town goes for a double

NEW flower beds have been planted and parks across Newcastle are being spruced up as the borough aims for a double in Britain in Bloom.

Newcastle will be going for glory in the Heart of England regional contest after winning the 2008 small city category, and the borough has also been selected to represent the region in this year's national competition.

Regional judges will tour the area in July while national judges will visit in August.

Newcastle town centre will be adorned with red, pink and white flower beds, hanging baskets in Queen's Gardens and white and citrus coloured blooms in Grosvenor Gardens.

A mix of permanent planting has also been introduced in Grosvenor Gardens to improve sustainability.

New rhododendron and azalea beds have been designed on the A34 at Wolstanton to create a roadside feature.

Improvements at Newcastle's Brampton Park include a sensory garden and a wildflower meadow is being planted at Coalpit Hill, Talke.

Kidsgrove will feature tubs with mixed geraniums and hanging baskets.

Councillor Mary Maxfield, Newcastle Borough Council cabinet member for culture and active communities, said: "We are very proud to be defending the regional small city title."