Paul Ellison to become a 2018 North West In Bloom judge

Paul Ellison (centre) with Phil Starr receiving their Outstanding recognition for Norden's Jubilee Park at the 2017 North West In Bloom awards

Norden local Paul Ellison is set to become a North West In Bloom judge next year.

Whilst he will not be allowed to judge any local areas due to conflicts of interest, he will be judging the horticultural side of displays across the north west.

Mr Ellison said: “I said yes, as long as they do not throw me in the deep end. I am happy to do it and I have probably always wanted to do it. It is nice to be recognised as knowledgeable and it will be good to get back into the nitty-gritty side of horticulture.

“I have been part of Rochdale In Bloom for a long time so I am looking forward to seeing the displays elsewhere.”

Mr Ellison who chairs local groups such as The Friends of Norden Jubilee Park and NEEVA (Norden’s Environmental and Economic Village Association), will be judging the quality of plants on next year’s routes, including the choice of plants, and the upkeep of the flowers and shrubs which make up the displays.

North West in Bloom is the voluntary regional organisation that administers the Britain in Bloom competition in Lancashire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside, one of the 18 regions comprising Britain in Bloom.

Since 1964, the Royal Horticultural Society’s Britain in Bloom is one of the most effective, and longest running environmental competitions in the UK, with communities demonstrating their ability to create and maintain attractive environments that benefit all.

From the mill towns of Lancashire to the picturesque villages of both Cheshire and the Lancashire coast, every city, town, urban community and village is eligible to enter. The aim of the competition is to encourage the improvement of our surroundings through the imaginative use of trees, shrubs, flowers and landscaping. It also aims to achieve a litter free and sustainable environment.