People in Upton are being urged to help the town excel in the Britain in Bloom competition.

The Royal Horticultural Society event will see towns and cities across the UK compete in the prestigious annual event.

Upton last entered the competition two years ago and will compete in the large village category for the Heart of England area. It will be visited by RHS judges in July.

Bill Dovey, chairman of Upton Tourism and Trade Association, urged local people to make an effort to clean up the town. Shopkeepers have already agreed to buy hanging baskets to spruce up their frontages.

"I'm looking for residents to help get the place ready and get rid of any weeds that might be hanging around before judging day," said Mr Dovey.

He also suggested someone may like to head up a committee to organise the competition effort properly.

Angela Lessimore, tourism manager at Malvern Hills District Council, said she was delighted Upton had entered the competition.

"The hanging baskets have been wonderful the last two years and we've had so many good comments in the tourist information centre from visitors," she said. "It's something that involves the whole community and if there's anything we can do to help then they only need to ask."

The judges will begin their tour of the town at 9am on Tuesday, July 15, before being shown a portfolio of events taking place during the year. They will be looking not only at the floral arrangements but also the way environmental concerns, such as recycling and cleanliness, are tackled in the town.

Upton will be judged against Great Haywood in Staffordshire and Eccleshore near Market Drayton. The winner will go on to the Heart of England area final, to compete for the chance to take part in next year's national final.

Anyone interested in helping, should call Bill Dovey during the daytime on 01684 594378.