The seeds of success have been sown for next year's Heart of England in Bloom competition by Upton committee members.

The town won gold in the large towns category this year, but Upton in Bloom committee adviser Doug Fletcher said he wanted to see them win the category overall in 2005 and go through to the national finals.

"We've got a good chance at winning that and I think we should go for it," he told members at a meeting in The Anchor on Wednesday.

A variety of suggestions were made on how to achieve this. The committee agreed that decorative boats around the town would be planted with mini daffodils, while mini tulips will go in the planters.

Chairman Eric White suggested that, as next year was the 60th anniversary of VE Day, the committee should approach the Royal British Legion to ask if it would like to sponsor the flowerbed at the Pepperpot, which could be planted with the organisation's logo.

Jackie Surtees said she would like to see local schools getting more involved in the competition and suggested that Mr White should meet the headteachers to discuss ideas.

Next year's entry is expected to cost between £5,000 and £6,000 and a number of ways of raising funds were suggested.

Members agreed to write to Severn Trent to ask if it would like to sponsor the town's entry. This year, Upton was awarded a water conservation trophy by the company for its automatic watering system.

Other ideas include a pudding evening, where people would sample different puddings and take away the recipes for a small price, a ballroom dance at the Memorial Hall and a concert by local group Meadowsweet.

The committee also decided to raffle a Christmas hamper worth £100. Tickets will cost £1 and will go on sale shortly around the town. Members hope the raffle will be drawn at noon on December 18, when Upton Tourism and Trade Association will be running a Christmas grotto at The Talbot from 11am.

The committee's next meeting is at 7pm on December 8 at The Anchor.