IT was lucky thirteen for the Ledbury in Bloom team, which is celebrating 13 golds in a row, following a campaign that has been called "a real struggle".

It is also a campaigning season which ends with Clive Gunn, the charismatic chairman of Ledbury in Bloom, taking the hard decision to stand down, because of ongoing ill health.

And because of a tightening up of the Heart of England in Bloom assessments this year, the team has admitted to genuine doubts that all would come right in the end, come judging day.

However, a last minute call for more help and more volunteers, put out through The Ledbury Reporter, helped to turn the campaign around at the eleventh hour.

Mr Gunn has praised the newspaper for its support.

Deputy chairman of Ledbury In Bloom, Tina Vass, soon to be acting chairman said: "This award has been hard won this year. I accepted it on behalf of the small group of dedicated volunteers who have done so much to make Ledbury look as ‘Blooming Beautiful’ as it has for some time.

"I must also thank Ledbury Town Council who took the decision to put the provision of the hanging baskets out to tender with such fabulous results and all our sponsors.”

She added: "This year was a real struggle with many friends, neighbours and loyal townsfolk responding to the late call.

"With changes to the assessment guidelines this 13th Gold was never as certain as it looked despite greater community involvement. Thanks to the schools that nurtured some young plants for us that we have used around Ledbury."

The awards ceremony took place on Thursday September 5 at Dunchurch Park Hotel and Conference Centre in Rugby.

But Ledbury in Bloom chairman, Clive Gunn, could not be there.

He said: "For some time now Tina has had to lead the team due to my continuing ill health.

“I have still done some of the paperwork behind the scenes but I haven't been able to pull my weight in the field. With the future still uncertain I have decided to stand down as chairman and just be publicity officer. Tina will continue as acting chairman until the AGM but she will need help."

And the need for greater help from the community is still an ongoing need.

Mr Gunn said: "Ledbury in Bloom could desperately do with more helpers both on the streets and with the paperwork. Someone to run our accounts would be very useful as our treasurer is stepping down - no floral knowledge is necessary.

"We hope to break everything into easy pieces that can be done by an individual or a group. Come along to our next meeting on Monday September 30 at 7:30pm in The Community Centre if you think you or your group could help with say a flower bed like U3A do or co-ordinate the volunteers from your desk.”

Town Clerk Angela Price has put out a statement of congratulations, on behalf the town council.

It praised a "bloomin' success" and said: "Following the recent news of another gold award, for the 13th year running, Ledbury Town Council would like to congratulate all involved with this years Heart of England in Bloom awards.

"For over twenty-five years the volunteers of Ledbury in Bloom have been involved in the care and upkeep of the summer floral displays and green spaces making Ledbury a beautiful place to call home, and once again they have been recognised for their hard work."