They were named the best small town in last year’s Anglia in Bloom competition.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Anglia in Bloom judges Joan Gibson and Julia Smith with Gillian Coulson, Rosie Rolph and Theo Goddard in the children's allotments. Picture: James BassAnglia in Bloom judges Joan Gibson and Julia Smith with Gillian Coulson, Rosie Rolph and Theo Goddard in the children's allotments. Picture: James Bass (Image: Archant Norfolk © 2016)

And now Halesworth has its chance to retain that crown.

Anglia in Bloom judges visited the town this week to see the work that has gone into Halesworth’s green spaces since last year’s victory.

Leader of Halesworth in Bloom Tamsyn Imison said: “The Thoroughfare looks wonderful thanks to all the businesses’ floral entrances and we have taken every weed out of it thanks to Karen Prime helping.

“The painting of all our planters, seats and bollards is by the indefatigable Jen Eden and up in the Market Place we have two new planters sponsored by Alan and Kathleen Witherby.”

The judges heard all about the town’s heritage conservation work and were taken on a golf buggy tour around the Millennium Green so they could see the wildlife and rare water meadows.

They saw the flowers and planters at Halesworth railway station and spoke to youngsters at the children’s allotment run by Gillian Coulson.

“The Triple Plea roundabout cared for by Karen Austin looks out of a stately home or Chelsea,” said Mrs Imison.

“The cemetery is good too and very tranquil and Halesworth Men’s Shed have transformed two broken seats into lovely places to sit and reflect.

“The Halesworth community is 100pc behind this and thanks to the determination of our superb enterprising business leaders and a totally dedicated town council as well as our very special In Bloom team.

“We hope to have shown our judges the best of Halesworth.”

The town now faces an agonising wait - with results from the visit not expected until later in the year when the judges have finished their tour of East Anglia.

But Halesworth in Bloom member Robert Le Rougetel said: “I think the judges were particularly impressed by some of the work which was done in the Millennium Green.

“It’s very high-level conservation work and I could tell they were especially pleased by that. It’s a fantastic achievement.

“The judges also went to The Limes residential house where they have created an absolutely stunning garden. It’s unbelievably lovely and I think the judges were impressed by that too.

“I think the town has every reason to be very, very proud of the work that the group has done.”