"Keep our town tidy" is the plea from Witham's flower power experts anxious for it to look its best as the time for judging for the Anglia in Bloom competition looms nearer.

Hanging flower baskets bedecked in the silver and blue of the Citizens Advice Bureau, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year have now been planted and erected throughout the town centre.

Also flower troughs are being prepared to install at the town sign, welcoming visitors - and schools have collected flowers for planting out.

"It's been a really good effort this year, and for the first time we have some very special awards," explains one of the committee organisers, Cllr Kathie Tearle.

Three of the town's main businesses have come up trumps with major prizes - crystal bowls from Tesco for best front garden, Sedgwicks for best school, and Safeway for best window box.

There is also a new prize for the best garden in each council ward.

It's all part of a new drive to boost up the town's entry into the regional competition and to make it look better than ever before.

"On the 21st of this month, our new look organisation will really start to get to grips with how we are going to change in the future," explains Kathie.

"Essentially, although Witham council will continue to support the event it will be in the hands of a new committee of dedicated specialists who want to take it forward," she says.

"But right now, we are appealing for everyone in the town to take an active. That stretches from nominating front gardens for the judges to examine, to importantly playing an active role in ensuring the town is kept tidy.

"I would ask everyone to help - pick up litter, and for everyone to do their best to keep their own area spick and span."

"After all, we all live here, and even if we don't win prizes, we still all win by living in a more attractive town."

Picture, top: Ready for collection by Witham's schools, this glorious sunshine collection of flowers will help pupils and staff make their school look the best it can. Pictured here with them are organiser, Kathie Tearle and Cllr Bob Evans.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.