ORSETT has been selected by Anglia in Bloom to represent the region in a new In Bloom Champion of Champions competition.

Sheila Fursedonne, chairman of Orsett in Bloom, said: “It is a great honour for the village to have been invited to enter this new competition, and the spring launch is the first of this year’s fundraising events.

“We are up against stiff competition this year from Chichester, Battle, Doddington, Brightlingsea and Bury St Edmunds, so we need all the help we can get.”

At a recent event, children from the village made bug boxes and furry bugs, with the help of Thurrock Ranger Service and the Friends of Langdon Hills Country Park.

Residents also turned out to attend Orsett in Bloom’s spring launch, where there was a demonstration by Martin Smith of Smith’s Orchard Garden Centre, followed by the group’s own version of Gardener’s Question Time and an auction.

Frances Shaddock, secretary of Orsett in Bloom, added: “This is just one of the ways we have to raise the money we need to compete at this high level and we appreciate all the help we get from our sponsors and supporters.”