ALCESTER is the best-kept small town in the Midlands - and it has a trophy to prove it!

Maggie Payne, chairman of Alcester in Bloom, picked up the coveted title and a gold award at a ceremony in Leamington on Friday and said afterwards: "I am delighted for the town because everyone worked so hard towards this."

Judging for the Heart of England Britain in Bloom competition took place in July, when judges were treated to a tour of the town and greeted by musicians and enthusiastic supporters wherever they went.

This is Alcester's 12th award and its third glass trophy, which will be on display with the other two at the town's museum.