COMMUNITY involvement is firmly at the heart of Farnham’s entry into this year’s South and South East in Bloom.

The judges are due to arrive today (Tuesday) and as well as being taken on a tour of new initiatives for 2018, they will see how established projects have evolved such as Badshot Lea Cemetery and Bourne Beautification.

During the judging of the Town Centre category on July 11, more than 60 children from The Dance Movement will perform a dance specially choreographed for the occasion.

Stephen Hill, Farnham Town Council’s lead member for Farnham in Bloom said: “One of the exciting things about entering South and South East in Bloom is that no two years are ever the same.

“By applying what we learned from previous years, Farnham in Bloom constantly evolves and involves more and more people.

“Some of the new highlights for this year include a statement planter on the roundabout in West Street, and a flowerbed marking the centenary of Wrecclesham guides.

“Farnham in Bloom is a fantastic initiative for improving our town and I would like to thank our army of volunteers, corporate sponsor Specsavers in Farnham and all our other sponsors for their contribution.”

To prepare for the arrival of the judges, residents and businesses are encouraged to get involved by helping to pick up litter and sweep outside their property.

Farnham has entered the Large Town, Town Centre, Large Cemetery and Small Cemetery categories. The result will be announced in early autumn.

It comes after Farnham scooped its first ever Gold award in the RHS’s flagship Britain in Bloom competition last year.

Farnham in Bloom is sponsored by more than 30 businesses, individuals and organisations, and supported by community groups throughout the town. This includes a band of more than 40 Bloomin’ Litter pickers, Bloomin’ Kids gardening workshops, while schools and community groups also plant baskets and pick litter making the project a true community effort.