Praise for organiser as blooms event marks 30 years

Margaret Inniss (front) has been involved in the Slough in Bloom competition since it started

One of the founders of Slough in Bloom has received civic praise as the annual competition marks its 30th anniversary.

Margaret Inniss, who was part of the original team that set up the competition and is now its chairman, said she was looking forward to seeing "even more entries" this year.

Launching the 2024 event, Mayor of Slough Amjad Abbasi offered "special thanks" to the chairman.

He said: "Thank you so much for all of the time and effort you have put into encouraging residents and businesses to brighten their environments."

The gardens and allotments contest, which began in 1994, is open until 29 June, with 10 different categories for entrants to choose from.

Ms Innis said: "The Slough in Bloom Committee were delighted by the number and quality of the entries last year.

"But we still want to see more gardens and allotments entering this free competition.

"Everyone can enter, even if you only have enough space for a few containers and hanging baskets, it all makes all the difference to the appearance of our town, makes you feel good and helps wildlife."

The categories include residential front gardens, community projects, roundabouts and roadside planting, allotments and student projects.

Judging will take place from 15 July, and the winner will be announced in August.

Cllr Abbasi said: "The entries just get better each year."