MALVERN'S happy snappers are being urged to show off their photographic skills and support Malvern In Bloom at the same time.

Organisers are urging the whole town to pull together for victory this year, when Malvern has a unique chance to go for the national Britain in Bloom title.

John Jordan, the chairman of Malvern in Bloom, said: "It's a rare opportunity, and we want to make the most of it, so we are urging everyone to do their best.

"With digital photography and mobile phones, people are taking more pictures than ever before, and we're urging them to take beautiful floral pictures and send them in to us."

And to start the ball rolling, Mr Jordan has taken this picture of some of the first flowers of spring blooming in Priory Park, outside the Council House.

"Not everyone has a garden or a hanging basket that can contribute to the floral displays when the judges come visiting later in the summer, but anyone with a camera can do their bit," he said.

"There will be two sets of judges, regional and national, and they will start their visits a t the Priory, where there will be a PowerPoint presentation. We always put together a brochure for the judges as well, and we need pictures for that as well."

2014 is Britain in Bloom's 50th year and Malvern will be competing against cities, towns and villages from all over the UK for the coveted title. The town was awarded the opportunity after last year winning the Heart of England in Bloom trophy for the sixth time.

As well as floral displays, judges will inspect everything from recycling initiatives to areas of natural habitat and conservation. They will also be looking at the management of street furniture and public parks, and will be giving awards for sustainable practices and inventive schemes to raise money to fund projects.

Pictures should be sent to Lyndsey Davies, Malvern Town Council's events and operations officer on ldavies@malvern-tc.org.uk.