VANDALS have destroyed nearly £1,000 worth of flowers in Droitwich on the eve of the prestigious Britain in Bloom contest.

The attacks nearly ruined the town's chances in the competition, which is being judged within the next few days.

It is only thanks to the hard work of town gardener John Quinn and his team that the judges will be met with a colourful array of hanging baskets, pots and bedding plants and not a heap of dirt, said the Mayor, Jan Bolton.

She is calling all schools in the area to urge pupils to point out the culprits.

"I'm sure that those responsible are children or youths and I'm asking the headteachers to talk to their pupils to see if they know who is responsible."

The latest incident happened at the end of last week when the vandals ripped up plants and destroyed fencing on a traffic island in Worcester Road.

They have previously destroyed other flowerbeds and ripped up decorations that were part of the town's efforts in the Britain in Bloom contest.

"Whoever is doing this is destroying the town and they must be stopped. We estimate that close on £1,000 damage has already been done," said the Mayor.

"We and the police believe our best chance of catching the culprits is through the schools. We want kids to tell us what they know."

Droitwich High's headteacher, Allan Foulds, is more than willing to help.

"I'm aware of the difficulties and, like the Mayor, I take a dim view of anyone who feels it is appropriate to damage something which is so important to the whole community."