THE chairman of the Alcester in Bloom committee has vowed this will be a superb year for the town, despite the heart-breaking decision to pull out last year, writes Helen Clarke.

Alcester withdrew from the competition as committee members felt Stratford Council had failed to carry out gardening work in the town.

But chairman Maggie Payne said last year's disappointment had made everyone even more determined to succeed.

The next event will be on Friday, February 8, when historian John Bunting will be giving a slide show on the town's history to make a blossoming start to the In Bloom appeal.

The show will be at the town hall at 7.30pm on Friday, February 8. Tickets are available from any committee member or by calling 01789 762577.