After many years of competing, Droitwich has decided to withdraw from the Britain in Bloom competition.

The decision was made by town councillors at the end of last year. They decided the national event had become too preoccupied with other factors, such as litter and crime.

Now the civic leaders have decided to throw all their time and energy into their own competition - Droitwich in Bloom - and are aiming to make the event even bigger and better than ever.

Droitwich town clerk Diane Malley said: "We want to aim at making the town a pretty place without worrying what the judges think.

"The trouble is every year they seem to change the goalposts and some things we have done for years, they then criticise," she said.

"We were also up against places in the same category like Stratford, which have a much bigger council, with more staff and money. This year we want the town to look attractive for the residents who live, work and visit Droitwich Spa."

Barrie Nicholson, chairman of the Droitwich in Bloom Working Party, said they had been competing in the competition for more than 12 years.

"I am pleased we will not be entering the competition this year. Now we do not have the pressure and build up of the judges arrival and can concentrate on making the whole town look pleasant."

He added that more time would be put into improving flower displays and organisers will be increasing the number of categories in the Droitwich in Bloom competition for both the young and the old.