CONFIDENCE is running high among Malvern's Britain is Bloom organisers. Not only have they clearly set their sights on winning the regional competition but they are aiming even higher for future years.

The town's Britain in Bloom steering group has decided to restrict its entry to the town category (6,000 to 12,000 population) until Malvern actually wins the Heart of England regional competition.

This will mean limiting the area included to the Priory and Chase wards.

However, in a report to the town council operations committee, which meets on Tuesday, November 7, town clerk Richard Chapman says: "The steering group is extremely keen to encourage specific area/organisations outside the Priory and Chase wards to become involved and enter the Neighbourhood Award Scheme. A number of ideas are already being considered. This would indicate to the judges that Malvern is serious about expanding its entry to the large town category in the future."

The large town category (12,001 to 35,000) includes centres such as Leamington and Warwick, which are likely to have greater resources than Malvern at present.

This year Malvern secured a gold award and gained a place in the Royal Horticultural Society record books. It was the first entry to receive a gold accolade at its first attempt.

The RHS judges are being invited to Malvern in early July next year during termtime so that the schools have an opportunity to participate.

Malvern's local theme will be the 150th anniversary of Sir Edward Elgar's birth and the colour scheme red, white and blue. "There will obviously be a musical theme to the planting," said Mr Chapman.

Last year Malvern Town Council allocated £8,180 from this year's budget toward the 2006 Britain in Bloom effort.