VOLUNTEERS from the Pershore in Bloom team were overjoyed to receive a donation of £2,000 from the Community Champions charity.

Members from the group contacted the charity for financial support to help raise the profile of the work carried out by the volunteers and to help produce publicity for the event.

Chairman of the Pershore in Bloom team Jill Liley was 'delighted' with the much-needed cash.

"We're delighted with the donation and with the competition coming up shortly in July. We are trying to get things done as soon as possible. The money should help to get more people on board and let many people know what we are doing," said Ms Liley.

Kate Walton, manager for the Pershore Volunteer Centre and a member of the voluntary group with Ms Liley, helped fill in the paperwork to secure the cash.

Mrs Walton said: "The project is moving at a fast pace and publicity is essential for it. I think if people know what's going on it will entice them to join in."

Ms Liley and Mrs Walton hope to use the money to pay for advertising to promote Pershore's entry into the competition and to pay for essential garden equipment.

Community Champions was set up by the Department For Education and Skills to support individual ideas or to encourage group activities within a community.