It was back in February 2007 that we were challenged to enter Rishton in the Neighbourhood Awards of the Britain in Bloom competition. That's not the madly competitive section but the one designed to support groups in encouraging and developing greater pride in the community. We drew together interested residents, community groups such as Rishton Horticultural Society and also met with co-ordinators of North West in Bloom.

Our first task was to select a focus route which would be walked by the Britain in Bloom judges. From November 2007 up until the judges arrived in July this year we kept the residents on the route regularly updated via information leaflets. We also leafleted businesses and shops on the High Street asking for support, and in addition, placed leaflets in the library, health centre, the local dentist and the doctors' surgeries, where Rishton folk would pick them up. In general we wanted to publicise the venture and encourage Rishtonians to be proud of Rishton, by keeping it tidy, free from rubbish and looking its best.

We had great fun visiting our three primary schools, St Peter & St Pauls CE, Rishton Methodist and St Charles' RC where we met with enthusiasm and a real sense of community awareness. All nursery and primary school children in Rishton were given sunflower seeds donated by Stonehill Garden Centre, Sunnybower. We have had sunflowers growing all over Rishton this year! The young people at Norden High School also supported us, with their Green Team tasks and the development of their quadrangle area.

We spent many hours tidying existing flowerbeds and putting up flower bags. Hanging baskets were organised, again through Stonehill Nursery,for Rishton residents. We created four new planters from old wooden pallets these we filled with bedding plants donated by Parkview Landscape, Rishton.

The Turrets Community Garden had been due for an £8000 refurbishment through Rishton Area Council funding but unfortunately this was cancelled. With very little time to go before the judges arrived, we managed to work with a much reduced budget, expertise from Parkview and a lot of volunteers digging and planting to achieve a very attractive and sustainable flower bed for all to enjoy.

The open area by the public footpath between St Albans Road and Shaw Brook Close was another area where we tidied, cleared the path and planted shrubs donated by Rishton residents.

And it all paid off. On the 6th October we attended the Royal Horticultural Society Britain in Bloom Neighbourhood Awards ceremony at the new Echo Arena in Liverpool. We were extremely proud to represent our small town alongside other towns, villages and neighbourhoods who were supported by the big City Councils of Manchester, Liverpool and Salford. We were thrilled to receive a very prestigous Merit Award for our first attempt. This was particularly welcome as most of the first entries received an Improvement Award. We feel it has all been worthwhile and we, as a Rishton in Bloom team, have been able to make a difference and encourage Rishtonians to be proud of where we live.

We would like to enter again next year, focusing on a different route, but really need more people to work with us. If you think you could help and would like your street to be part of the route please contact us on 883200 or 723942 or by email at scolling@dsl.pipex.com or marjon.w@ntlworld.com