Wolverhampton residents are keeping their green fingers crossed that the city has done enough to scoop a prestigious Heart of England in Bloom gold award.

Judges were in the city this week to assess local floral displays, green spaces and historic landmarks.

They were able to see for themselves the efforts of residents, school pupils and businesses who supported the campaign by sprucing up their gardens, containers or hanging baskets.

Now the team behind Floral City – Wolverhampton’s entry in this year’s Heart of England in Bloom campaign – must wait for judges to announce their verdict which will be revealed at a special ceremony in September.

They have their sights firmly set on reclaiming the prestigious gold award the city achieved in 2008.

Emma Cleary, Wolverhampton City Council’s Floral City coordinator, said: “I would like to thank the organisations which have sponsored this year’s campaign – Wightwick Manor & Gardens, the Express & Star, Enterprise PLC, Wolverhampton Art Gallery and All Seasons Garden Store.

“Additionally, the campaign would not have been possible had it not been for the support and commitment from Streetscene Services, Wolverhampton City Council’s parks, tourism and conservation departments and all those who helped us on the judging route and prepare our Floral City portfolio – their support has been invaluable.

“Most of all I would like to thank all the residents, businesses and schools and the individual organisations which entered the Heart of England in Bloom awards in their own right who have helped to enhance the entry.”

The tour the judges were taken on went to a number of city centre locations including the Mayor’s Parlour, The Express & Star building and St Peter’s Collegiate Church and Gardens.

They then went on to West Park and West Park Rehabilitation Hospital and headed through Chapel Ash and Compton to Smestow Valley Local Nature Reserve.