BURY St Edmunds will represent the east of England in Britain in Bloom 2010.

Mark Crossley

BURY St Edmunds will represent the east of England in Britain in Bloom 2010.

The news was announced at the Anglia in Bloom end-of-season seminar in Norwich.

Bury goes forward to take on national rivals in the large town/small city category.

Julia Rackowe, Bury in Bloom's campaign manager, said: “Every time we enter Britain in Bloom the stakes get higher. Although the visual impact of the our lovely town centre will be important in the judging stakes, it is the ethos of a community committed to providing a greener and cleaner local environment that will need to be proved.

“But we are confident we can draw everyone together to make sure we win the crown for Bury St Edmunds once again.”

Lynsey Alexander, St Edmundsbury Borough Council cabinet member for culture and sport, said: “This is fantastic news and I congratulate every person in Bury who takes such pride in the high standards we set ourselves.”

The East Anglian Daily Times and Bury St Edmunds Mercury will be continuing its backing of Bury in Bloom next year, including its support for the Green Fingers competition which brings together local gardeners, schools, businesses and other organisations.

Mike Ames, Bury in Bloom's chairman for nearly 25 years, added: “To be representing the Anglia Region in the national competition recognises Bury St Edmunds as one of the main two players in the country, and I'm sure the whole community will pull together in its traditional manner to make sure things happen in the interests of everyone.”