The Ledbury in Bloom team is celebrating a gold award in this year's Heart of England regional finals.

Ledbury, the overall winner last year, competed in the town category again, having moved up from the small towns bracket for the first time in 2004 because of a growing population.

Former rival Alcester remained in the small towns section, where it claimed the overall title.

Ledbury in Bloom chairman Sue Holland said she was "absolutely delighted" by this year's result, because it meant a high standard had been maintained.

She said: "I'm not at all disappointed, because this result has been achieved with a reduced number of volunteers and there was a tremendously high standard this year.

"I don't think people realise how hard it is get a gold. You have to achieve 85 per cent or more in each of the five sections."

This year, judges were particularly impressed by the way that the 'grow your own' theme was represented throughout the town.

The green bean archway in The Homend was also praised and the refurbished Queens Walk area drew further compliments.

Ledbury in Bloom spokesman Jamie Melvin said: "Our committee is extremely pleased with the result as this has not been an easy year for Ledbury in Bloom, due to ever dwindling numbers.

"We would also like to extend our congratulations to Tarrington in Bloom. They obtained a silver award in their first entry into the competition, which is a remarkable achievement."

Because the active section of the Ledbury committee is down to just a handful of members, an open meeting has been called to drum up more public support.

This will take place in The Burgage Hall, Church Lane, on Tuesday, October 25, at 7.30pm

There will also be displays on show, revealing the hard work of the Ledbury in Bloom committee and its supporters.