GOING for gold was the slogan when a Suffolk market town showed off its floral charms to judges from Anglia in Bloom.Woodbridge was the first town to be marked by judges Brian Thornton and Simon Collin in the town category of this year's competition and volunteers were determined to make a lasting impression on their visitors.

GOING for gold was the slogan when a Suffolk market town showed off its floral charms to judges from Anglia in Bloom.

Woodbridge was the first town to be marked by judges Brian Thornton and Simon Collin in the town category of this year's competition and volunteers were determined to make a lasting impression on their visitors.

They were taken on a tour of Woodbridge yesterday which

included the Quaker burial ground in Turn Lane, inspecting the science pond at the Abbey School and then in a Suffolk Punch-drawn cart provided by Hollesley Bay prison to Elmhurst Park to meet park manager, Lee Nunn.

They also visited Quayside to view a Sea Scouts project and walked along by the River Deben. They were led by Sue Allen, chairman of Woodbridge in Bloom, on the 90-minute tour.

Woodbridge is facing competition from Maldon, Brightlingsea, Sandy, Beccles, North Walsham, Halstead and Sudbury.

Mrs Allen said: "We think we stand a fairly good chance this year. We have several new members on our committee and we are definitely going for gold."

Woodbridge was runner-up in the small town category last year and champion in the best public open space class. The award categories have been altered and entrants are now aiming for gold, silver or bronze awards.

Mr Thornton said: ''We are obviously looking at the floral impact but the main thing is the team working together and that is really what we are looking for.

"From past accounts it is a very good in bloom team in Woodbridge and I think other towns will have their work cut out to keep up with this one."

The tour of the town category finishes on July 17 and the results will be announced in Ipswich on September 16.