BRITAIN in Bloom judges saw Sidmouth at its busiest – and were full of praise for the town during their visit on Monday.

Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) representatives Jim Goodwin and Nigel Bishop were impressed with the resort’s colour and vibrancy and noted positives ranging from conservation to sustainable planting.

They were welcomed by dignitaries and Sidmouth in Bloom volunteers before being taken on a tour of the town.

Mr Goodwin said the town made a ‘very good impression’ and described it as ‘immensely colourful’.

“I was impressed by the way the local community has got together to do a lot of voluntary work,” he said.

Mr Bishop was visiting the town for the first time and praised the ‘good cross-section of things’ on offer and hailed ‘a lot of enthusiasm and commitment’ on show.

“The bloom committee seem very active in the community. It’s nice to see so many people here,” he added.

Sidmouth is among 71 places competing in the national contest and is in the Coastal category alongside St Peter Port and St Andrews.

Winners will be announced in October.

The judging marked the culmination of months of hard work by Sidmouth in Bloom volunteers.