JUDGING has begun for the 88 Nottingham neighbourhoods taking part in the East Midlands in Bloom Neighbourhood Awards.

Each community will be visited over the next month by one of eight judges who will find out how they have been working to make their neighbourhood greener and cleaner.

The groups include streets, sheltered housing complexes, churches, community gardens, and centres for children and old people.

One of the groups in this year's awards is Hyson Green Children's Centre.

Staff member Ashley Warke said: "The families and children loved getting their hands dirty and the plants have made a really big difference to our little outside area. We've had a lot of positive comments."

The first judging sessions were held yesterday.

Among them was the garden at Wollaton Park Community Centre which created a peaceful haven in memory of staunch supporter Marjorie Kingsland.

Each group will receive a Certificate of Improvement, Merit or Outstanding Achievement, at an event at the Council House on September 11.

Councillor Malcolm Wood, the Chair of the Nottingham in Bloom Working Group, said: "We have been astounded by the enthusiasm and commitment of the 6,000 people who are involved in this year's Neighbourhood Awards. I wish them success in showing the judges what they have achieved and the difference it is making to their local community."