It if officially the flower of Lancashire, and now Garstang, the county's blooming "champion of champions", could be bound for international floral fame.

The town will play host to an entourage of international judges for the Entente Florale, and is representing Britain in the village category.

But Tom Pridmore, Wyre Council's Director of Leisure Services, said the town is already a winner for being selected from among 22,000 other hopefuls for the honour.

He said: "Wherever we've been in Garstang the whole community has been behind Entente Florale.

"Garstang should be really proud of itself!"

The 12-strong jury, made up of specialists in architecture, landscape and forestry – among other disciplines – visited a nursery, a school and churches, as well as watching dancing by local children.

EF chairman Monika Hetch from Austria said: "We see that Garstang has wonderful flowers – but not only flowers.

"It is a green town and they do a lot for the people.

"They are very enthusiastic.

"There is no single winner but gold, silver and bronze medals.

"It's much fairer than only having one winner."

On leaving Garstang the judges will make their way to Ireland for the last two visits on a marathon 24-stop round of the finalists.

Their final decision will be announced in Split, Croatia, on September 20.

EF was founded 25 years ago and is expanding all the time to include more countries.

The competition's aim is to promote a greener and more pleasant environment in European towns and villages, and to facilitate international contacts among the participants.

Plymouth is also representing the UK this year, in the town/city category.

Last year's UK representatives, Shrewsbury in Shropshire and Falkland in Fife, both won gold awards.

Other towns and villages across Europe – including entrants from Austria, Belgium, Croatia, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands and Slovenia – are also taking to take gold.

Mayor of Garstang Michael Halford said: "The feedback from the jurors has been tremendous.

"If we do win a medal I think we will be celebrating with a few bottles of champagne in Split."



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