Members of Ledbury In Bloom will return from "hibernation" after lockdown was announced to tackle the coronavirus pandemic earlier in the year.

As the social isolation rules are now relaxed following the Government's announcement on May 10, communal flowers will bloom once again in Ledbury this year.

Ledbury Town Council is sponsoring the handing baskets in the town centre, currently being prepared by The Yard House in Twyning.

Mike Gunn, chairman of Ledbury in Bloom, said: "Many of the volunteers are shielded because of their underlying medical issues or age. and I'm wondering if there is anyone out there who has been furloughed or even laid off who could help out.

"They can choose a time to suit themselves but must maintain suitable separation - perhaps a group of old school or work friends or a family looking to get more fresh air.

“As we expected to be held back all summer, we haven’t done any fundraising, so a small donation would help to defray our annual costs and pay for a limited shopping basket of plants."

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The organisation has won gold awards in each of the last 13 years of the national competition which rewards towns that produce impressive floral displays.

2019 was described as “a real struggle” by the Bloom committee because they had just 12 volunteers, and there were fears Ledbury would have to drop out of the contest this year due to a lack of help and the chairman's plans to step down.

Ledbury in Bloom can be contacted on: 01531 634716