TRADERS transformed Knutsford town centre into a sea of luscious lilies, colourful chrysanthemums and ravishing roses last week in homage to RHS Tatton.

To coincide with the annual flower show’s annual visit, more than 70 outlets rallied together, got creative and adorned their businesses with elaborate floral window displays.

The green-finger initiative, which is in its second year, was set up in a bid to bring more visitors into the town and has been embraced by the majority of the Knutsford business community.

Peter Murray, owner of Pulse of Perfumery, is the driving force behind the initiative and has worked tirelessly all year to ensure everyone’s involvement, from a small independent to the big multiples.

He said: “I would like to congratulate and thank everyone that got involved this year during the RHS week , they made Knutsford look amazing.

“I would also like to say a big thank you to Yvonne Bancroft and her team of volunteers from Knutsford in Bloom for continuing to work tirelessly all year round ensuring that Knutsford is a beautiful place to be part of.”

For the first time, the official RHS judging team visited the displays and gave their judgement. The judges were looking for originality, natural materials, eco material and overall presentation that would appeal to many.

The innovative designs included pretty pizzas, golden panthers, giant shoes and mad hatters and a total of 72 businesses received an award.

“The communication between the Knutsford businesses is fantastic, whether it is an independent retail outlet, estate agent, restaurant or bank - I managed to get four involved for the first time with floral displays or hanging baskets during the RHS week,” added Peter.

“I will continue to communicate with the bigger chains to encourage them for their involvement during RHS 2015, I'm like a dog with a bone.”