THE seeds have been sown for Ellesmere Port to enter a top horticultural competition.

The town's first submission for the 'It's Your Neighbourhood' category of the North West in Bloom competition earned an impressive accolade.

The non-competitive category is the town's first steps towards a full entry into the horticultural competition.

North West in Bloom judge, Julie Livesey visited the town in July this year to assess the work completed so far.

At a ceremony at the Southport Theatre and Convention Centre, representatives responsible for the town's entry heard they had been awarded the Level 4 – Thriving honour.

Cheshire West and Chester Council's Cabinet Member for Environment, Councillor Karen Shore said: "Many groups have joined in from all over the town and I'm delighted the official grading of our first entry in North West In Bloom has provided recognition for all their hard work and the wonderful results that are being achieved.

"The 'It's Your Neighbourhood' category is all about bringing members of the community together to make a positive change to the place they live, work or spend their leisure time.

"It's been a true town-wide effort by the community, for the community.

"I would like to thank the businesses in the town centre for their support, our StreetCare teams, everyone at Trinity Church, as well as Cambridge Road and William Stockton primary schools, plus everyone else who was involved in this year's Ellesmere Port in Bloom submission."

Groups participating in the campaign are asked to focus on its three key themes of: Community Participation, Environmental Responsibility and Gardening Achievement.

The success of this year's neighbourhood entry means the town can now progress to a full North West in Bloom entry in the future.