The countdown has begun as Bridlington aims to strike gold in the Britain In Bloom 2009 awards.

National judges will visit on Tuesday, August 4, which means there is less than five weeks to get the town looking its best.

So residents have been urged to play their part in giving the resort the x factor.

"Get your gardens tidy and make sure we get rid of litter," said Barry Mitchell, chairman of Bridlington In Bloom.

"Businesses, get your hanging baskets up and your premises looking good.

"This isn't just about pretty flowers. It is about civic pride and wanting the town to look its best."

Plenty of work has been completed in the past few weeks and he believes the town will start seeing the benefits shortly.

"The council gardeners, and they are not a big team, have been bedding plants and the summer hanging baskets have gone up, but there is still a lot to do."

Bridlington is in the large coastal town category in the awards and is up against Cleethorpes, South Shields, St Andrew's, Bangor, Colwyn Bay and Herne Bay.

Judges will spend three hours touring the area next month, visiting attractions such as Sewerby Hall and the Priory, community projects at Christ Church and Kirkgate House and residential areas including the Sandsacre estate and the south side.

They will also be guided around the harbour, promenades, various public gardens and the town centre.

"This is a big opportunity for the town, particularly at this time of recession when people are looking to take holidays in the UK.

"Bridlington could get some really good publicity but we won't win unless everybody plays their part," Mr Mitchell added.

And the elements could also help play a part in any success.

"We are pleased to see the sun but the grass could do with some serious rain," he said.

As well as proving how all efforts have been made to make the town sparkle, local volunteers will also have to outline environmental and recycling projects and show community participation.

Among the ways they hope to achieve this is through a poster competition to welcome the judges to Bridlington.

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