THE display of flowers along the riverside in Worcester is the best for years, says a local gardening enthusiast.

Keith Haffenden of Church Road in Rainbow Hill, Worcester, praised the people who have planted and tended the floral displays.

"I know I speak for all residents who would no doubt agree the displays get better every year," he said.

"What an excellent advert it must be to passing boats to see such a mass of vibrant colours.

"They bloom for such a long period of time and it is not easy to keep flowers blooming."

Mr Haffenden frequently walks along the riverside and his wife is keen gardener.

"It has been a particularly good display this year," said Ian Yates, parks and cemeteries manager at Worcester City Council.

"We've been working very closely with the nurseries in Darlington. "Two teams of two gardeners who tend the beds by day, water the flowers by night.

Mr Yates said the displays in the city along with the private gardens will help Worcester do well in this year's Britain in Bloom competition.