As Norwich's in Bloom team gears up for the national finals this Friday, it is also preparing to bid a fond farewell to its first president.

The Norwich Business Improvement District (BID) is one of 78 finalists vying for gold in the Royal Horticultural Society's Britain in Bloom competition.

It is the first time BID has got through to the national stages of the event.

And while October 27 could be a day of celebration, it will also be one of sadness as Michael King - the first president of the Friends of Norwich in Bloom - steps down after 12 years.

He said: 'Our many groups and organisations ensured cleansing, watering and weeding of our displays were at their best for the big day.

'I was delighted that at the regional Anglia in Bloom Awards in September, Norwich BID was awarded a gold standard and winner of the BID category.

'It would be fantastic if Norwich BID was to repeat the success at national RHS Britain in Bloom in my last year as president, as I retire in November.

'I thank everyone who has put in so much time and effort keeping the heart of Norwich, and indeed all across the city, look so beautiful, clean and green for those who live, work, trade and visit.'

RHS judges visited Norwich on August 8 and were led around the city by the tour team.

They were taken to areas including the Assembly House, City Hall, Memorial Gardens and All Saints Green.

The Norwich group is competing in the Business Improvement District category and hopes to be recognised as one of the cleanest and greenest places to live in the UK.

Each finalist will be awarded a gold, silver gilt, silver or bronze medal when the results are announced at the Britain in Bloom awards ceremony in Llandudno.

Mr King said: 'During my 12 years as president it has been an honour and privilege to support and work closely with all the friends of Norwich in Bloom volunteers, but in particular my good friends Bill Webster and Terry Bane when they were chairman and trustees.'

Britain in Bloom is the UK's biggest community gardening campaign – up to 300,000 volunteers are involved in transforming villages, towns and cities into greener places to live.