Judges for the Britain in Bloom competition will inspect the floral offerings of Brighton and Hove this week.

Gardeners are putting the final touches to hanging baskets and flowerbeds in preparation for the arrival of judges on Friday.

The city has made it to the finals of the national competition for the first time. For the past two years it has won in the large city category of South-East in Bloom.

The panel will pay attention to community involvement, environmental friendliness, sustainability projects and permanent planting.

Judging will start at Hove Town Hall and take in locations including St Ann's Well Gardens, North Laine and the Lanes, Kemp Town Gardening Club and Roedean fire station.

Barbara Aston, from the Kemp Town club said: "Our gardening club has encouraged people to take pride in their gardens and surroundings.

"This has made vast improvements to the area, which has even sparked interest among local estate agents who include information about our involvement in Brighton in Bloom in property details."

Judges will meet members of the community, including regular entrants in the Brighton in Bloom competition.

Councillor Heather James said: "Residents and the Brighton and Hove In Bloom team have worked hard to make significant improvements to the city."