A SMALL army of volunteers and supporters are making Ledbury in Bloom chairman Clive Gunn "blooming proud", ahead of the RHS judging day next Monday (July 9).

This year is extra special for Ledbury in Bloom, which is hoping to win the town a dozen gold medals in a row.

In June the call went out for extra volunteers, and the call is being answered.

With only days to go to the arrival of the RHS judges from Heart of England in Bloom, Mr Gunn said: "The biggest difference has been the disappearance of a lot of weeds. Many have been removed by the small but dedicated team that make up Ledbury in Bloom.

“How many regular volunteers are there do you think? If I told you that there are only 22 would people believe me? They cannot be thanked enough but there are many other people doing their shop or house frontages. There is even a specialist night time ninja group tidying up the traffic islands.”

Mr Gunn added: "At the station the new beds have settled in and have received many glowing comments from travellers as they arrive and depart; they are worth a detour if you haven’t seen them. The roundabouts are all looking tidier, even the brand new one by Martins Way.

Gloucester Road is still stunning , Hereford and Ross Roads are more subtle while the Little Marcle and New Mills ones are still progressing. The refurbishments continue at Queens Walk with hanging baskets and planters made from recycled car and van tyres. New beds have been established with help from Ledbury Brownies."

Mr Gunn said: "The new neighbours at Busy Bees are making good use of this ever improving community green space. The biggest obvious difference in town is the arrival of the hanging baskets. They are a little later arriving this year but we are very pleased to see them go up and brighten the major roads. We are very grateful to Ledbury Town Council for continuing to support our efforts to make Ledbury attractive to tourists and residents alike by providing the baskets and keeping them growing.

"And talking of roads, some potholes have been filled in.”

Now the focus will be on keeping Ledbury looking green in the hot weather.

Mr Gunn said: "Friends, Ledburians and Countrymen, lend me your buckets and watering cans and hoses.”