Southend looks set to be represented in the prestigious Nations in Blooms finals in the Gulf this year after a secret £1,000 donation from a local company.

The town is one of just a handful of entries from across the world that have been shortlisted in the contest which aims to find the town with the most attractive floral displays.

After councillors debated at length the pros and cons of sending officers or members to the United Arab Emirates for the competition, it was decided no-one should attend.

Now council leader, Liberal Democrat councillor Graham Longley has succeeded in getting £1,000 in sponsorship from a leading Southend firm. Councillors are set to discuss tomorrow whether to accept the offer and send one council officer to the finals in March.

The competition's organisers are offering a travel grant of £500, and along with the sponsorship. It will cost the council nothing.

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