A TOWN’S in bloom team is gearing up for this year’s competition.

The Maldon in Bloom team have been preparing for the annual event, held in June.

This year’s theme is the River Blackwater.

Now in its 19th year organisers are hoping it will be the best yet.

The team holds monthly meetings, visits local schools, works with community groups, and carries out work parties, tree planting, bulb planting and most recently a litter pick along the Chelmer and Blackwater Canal.

This year the competition has two new categories – best residential home and best florally decorated shop window.

Straight after the Maldon in Bloom week finishes in June the team will start preparations for the Anglia in Bloom judges in July.

Last year the team were awarded their first Anglia in Bloom gold award in nearly a decade for most improved entry.

If you would like to enter Maldon in Bloom contact Jennifer Eva at Maldon Town Council on 01621 857373, or visit the Maldon in Bloom Facebook page.