BEAUTIFUL Ely has won a silver award in the annual Anglia in Bloom competition. The judges were impressed with the hanging baskets and floral displays around the city and named it as one of the winners over tough competition from across the region. Militi

BEAUTIFUL Ely has won a silver award in the annual Anglia in Bloom competition.

The judges were impressed with the hanging baskets and floral displays around the city and named it as one of the winners over tough competition from across the region.

Militia Way was commended at "outstanding" in its bid for the Neighbourhood Award and the dry garden at Jubilee Gardens was commended.

Although youngsters at Ely's Lantern School were pipped at the post for an award for their vegetable plot, they impressed the judges who sampled their work and received knowledgeable answers to their questions.

The city's entry is made possible every year by volunteers working with the Ely in Bloom committee to create impressive displays for the competition which draws entries from Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Suffolk and Norfolk.

Ely in Bloom chairman, Cllr. Sheila Friend-Smith said: "I think the hanging baskets on the barriers in the Market Place really transformed the area this year.

"Our voluntary groups put a great deal of work into the displays and the city is looking better and better every year."

Now the search is on for more volunteers to take part in next year's entry for the competition.

The organisers are keen to tap into fresh ideas and find more skilled people to ensure the city's future success.

Anyone interested in taking part should contact Cllr Friend-Smith on 01353 663118.

CAPTION: Anglia in Bloom judges inspect a magnificent display by Ely's St Mary's Church.