Ledbury in Bloom is “pulling out all the stops” to win a 15th consecutive Britain in Bloom gold medal.

The entry for this year’s RHS Heart of England in Bloom competition has been submitted and judging will take place in July.

Volunteers have been out and about over the winter collecting and composting leaves, weeding, cutting back roses and bushes in preparation for the coming growing season.

They’ve been doing so with a sense of relief that many of the strict safety measures in place over the past couple of years have now been eased.

Ledbury in Bloom chairwoman Christina Vass said: “The team are pulling out all the stops in the bid to win a 15th consecutive gold for the town.

“If you’ve noticed us digging up roses and bushes, it’s either because the roses are exhausted and need to be moved, while the bushes needed thinning and will be replanted elsewhere.

“We try wherever possible to move plants to new locations if they are becoming too big or are not thriving.”

A grant from Tesco enabled the group to buy a further eight self-watering tubs, which were put in place last October.

The new tubs are made in the UK from recycled material, are hardwearing and easier to keep watered - and do not have the issue of metal bands rotting and causing a hazard to pedestrians.

Ledbury in Bloom photographic competition

Ledbury in Bloom is hoping to have all of its tubs - there are 34 in total - sponsored this year. Details of how to sponsor a tub can be found on the Ledbury in Bloom website.

Christina said several community groups in the town are entering the RHS It’s Your Neighbourhood competition, including Ledbury Station and the new wildlife area in Queen’s Walk.

“Getting younger people interested in gardening and plants is a keystone for the future of ‘in bloom’ for the town,” she added.

With that in mind, a Ledbury in Bloom photographic competition called ‘Nature in Ledbury - Beasties and Blooms’ will be launched in April and run until early June.

The competition will be open to those aged 18 and under, with entries exhibited in July.

If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, contact Christina on 01531 633267 or email ledburyinbloom1@gmail.com