Walthamstow residents have been growing for gold this week as London in Bloom judge Mark Jones came to inspect the efforts of the green-fingered volunteers.

Members of Walthamstow Village in Bloom, a part of the residents’ association, said it has been ‘all hands on deck’ in recent weeks as they put the finishing touches to the floral displays.

On Tuesday the welcoming party for the judge included Mayor of Waltham Forest Cllr Terry Wheeler, Leader of the Council Chris Robbins and committee members, gardening volunteers and Waltham Forest Council Officer Paul Tickner at Vestry House Museum.

The judge and attendees were given a presentation by Walthamstow Village in Bloom's Teresa Deacon who highlighted the year-round activities.

Mr Jones was then taken on a two-hour circular walking tour of the Village area to see, amongst other things, the community meadow, public areas adopted, residents' front gardens and the Summit Road Care Home's new sustainable garden.

Chairwoman of the group Helen Lerner thanked all the ‘dedicated’ people involved in the project.

Since first entering the Bloom competition in 2009, the Village has scooped many prestigious awards and has been awarded London’s Best Village.

They are hoping they have again been judged as Gold standard and will found out how they did at the London in Bloom award ceremony in September at the Oval.