THE Sedgefield in Bloom committee is confident of success in the Britain in Bloom competition.

With just over a week to go until the judges visit the village, committee vice-chairman Councillor Maxine Robinson said hopes were high.

She said: "We went very close last year and we're going to win this year."

Sedgefield has won the Small Country Town section of the competition for the past seven years. Judging for that competition took place two weeks ago and committee members were encouraged by the visit.

Coun Robinson said: "We've got an excellent track record and we've improved year after year and the judges think we stand an excellent chance in the national final."

She believes the village's success in recent years has encouraged residents to improve their gardens.

Their efforts are all important because judges take the overall standard of the village into account.

The national Britain in Bloom judges are due to visit next Thursday, at 3.15pm.