LEDBURY in Bloom campaigners have recorded their greatest ever success by winning a national award for their efforts this year.

Ledbury won the small town category in the Britain in Bloom event, announced on Tuesday at London's Guildhall.

The town was also given a silver gilt award by the Royal Horticultural Society, with a special commendation for Ledbury in Bloom chairman Tom Deane for his personal contribution.

Mr Deane, chairman of Ledbury in Bloom for seven years, said: "It was a fabulous evening.

"It's what we've been striving to achieve for many years and we've finally got there. I feel very proud to be the leader of the team that has achieved this. It's a wonderful climax to the season for us."

Ledbury has won the Heart of England small towns category for three years. It qualified for the national finals by winning the overall Heart of England title last year, only the second time it has achieved that honour.

Massive effort has been put into this year's entry, and not just into the floral displays. Additions to this year's campaign included an official launch at the Ledbury English Festival in April and a ceramics competition and exhibition by Glazydayz ceramics cafe at Ledbury Parish Church. The church also hosted an exhibition by Ledbury Reporter photographer Jay Watson.

Keith Francis, the Mayor of Ledbury, congratulated Mr Deane.

He said: "It's just reward for the hard effort that the community has put into the bid."