Sponsors are needed to help Belper win the top prize in this year's East Midlands in Bloom contest.
The town won silver in the competition last year which sees an array of colourful flowers and plants throughout the town.
Leader of Belper Town Council John Nelson said: "Every year I think our chances of winning are brilliant. I think Belper is o
ne of the best kept towns in England never mind Derbyshire.
"The gold has always alluded us by a few points. Fingers crossed that we get the gold this year."
The council has made the plea to businesses in the Belper area to help with sponsorship this year. Different types of beds and arrangements can be sponsored costing from £38 for baskets on the A6 to £400 for flowerbeds.
Clerk of the town council, Elaine Hibbert said: "We would like to stir up some enthusiasm throughout the town so that everyone helps where they can.
"The town council has made a concentrated effort to take on board the judges' comments from last year and are working hard to improve our entry which is not easy with just three outdoor staff.
"The judges would like to see more sponsorship from local businesses and although we have been fortunate in the support we already have, we could always do with more sponsors."
Last year areas of Belper flooded two weeks before the judges arrived for their tour of the town, which starts from St John's Chapel, heads down High Pavement, before going onto other areas, including the Memorial Gardens and De Bradeli Mill Shop.
Cllr Nelson added: "It's not just about flowers, the environment and cleanliness are also an issue."
Judging takes place on Wednesday, July 16.
The full article contains 294 words and appears in Belper News newspaper.
