ENTRANTS in this year's Worcester in Bloom competition can be sure that their gardens will be judged to the highest standard.

In fact, judge Bill Simpson even taught the nation's favourite gardener a thing or two.

"Alan Titchmarsh?" said Mr Simpson. "Indeed I know him, quite well as it happens.

"I was his tutor for a year at Hertfordshire College of Agriculture and Horticulture in St Albans."

When asked what kind of pupil the ever-popular BBC presenter was, Mr Simpson commented: "Well put it this way, he's done awfully well for himself, hasn't he?"

The judging credentials of Mr Simpson are as abundant as the roses and alpines in his immaculately manicured Worcester garden.

He is the son of a Hampshire nurseryman, a recognised floristry expert, tutor at top horticultural colleges, ex-principal of Pershore College of Horticulture, a former training manager and later director of the Royal Horticulture Society.

He is also a director of the Alpine Society and judges at horticulture events around Britain, including the renowned Chelsea Flower Show and Harrogate Spring and Autumn Flower Shows.

He is a keen supporter of Worcester in Bloom.

"It's a lovely initiative and I'm delighted to be involved in judging this year's competition.

"For me it's a welcome opportunity to put something back into the city that I've come to regard as home since I moved here in 1980," he said.

"The size of a garden is not important, but good design, a sense of layout, evidence of thought being given to arrangements, interesting colour combinations, variety and the quality of the plants," he said.

"They all play their part in a successful display, and that's what we'll be looking for.

"Add to that the essential ingredient of the gardener's enthusiasm and there's all the makings of a successful entry."

Categories in the annual competition include churches, large and small gardens maintained by the householder, patios and balcony flats, hanging baskets and permanently landscaped gardens.

The trade section is open to public houses, community projects, large and small businesses and guest houses/hotels, and judging takes place on August 5, 7 and 8.