A MARKET town is basking in glory after it scooped top prize in the Heart of England in Bloom Competition.

Evesham was named as the winner in the Large Town Category, fighting off blooming great opposition from Stratford-upon-Avon, and Stone - other category entrants, which were given a Gold standard by the judges.

The overall Heart of England in Bloom winner, 2004 was Ledbury.

The competition is held annually, and is the regional precursor to the Britain in Bloom award, organised by the Royal Horticultural Society.

Judges award entrants bronze, silver, silver gilt, or gold according to the splendours of the displays.

Categories include best village, best city, and the urban community category.