WORLD domination is blossoming from Sidmouth’s top floral displays after the town was invited to take part in an international competition.

As a Britain in Bloom Silver award winner, the Canadian organisation Communities in Bloom chose the town alongside others from America, Ireland, Japan and Europe.

Sidmouth in Bloom treasurer Peter Endersby said he believes the town is the only one in the region to have been chosen and that South West in Bloom will support the entry.

He said: “The international challenge will present the opportunity for cultural promotion, exchange of flags with other municipalities and high visibility during awards and presentations.”

He added that it will boost the media promotion of Sidmouth as an important venue in the South West.

The town will be showcased alongside the other entrants on the Communities in Bloom website and in its twice-yearly magazine.

The Sidmouth in Bloom committee learned last year of the importance of promotion to competition success, and the efforts need the support of businesses, hotels, attractions and transport.

They hope working towards the international goal will spur on businesses and residents to continue and expand their own floral displays.

Sidmouth is going for Gold in the regional competition in this year’s regional and the same accolade in the 2014 Britain in Bloom.

The town will have additional troughs, baskets and displays, and there are several other initiatives in hand.

Communities in Bloom is judged on eight key criteria: tidiness, environmental action, heritage conservation, urban forestry, landscape, turf and groundcovers, floral displays and community involvement.

The organisers say they are committed to fostering civic pride, environmental responsibility and beautification through community involvement and the challenge of an international programme, which will benefit all of society.