CHILDREN from schools in and around Ludlow have been getting dirt on their hands to help the town’s ‘in bloom’ bid.

The youngsters from Ludlow School and Primary Schools from the town and surrounding area have been planting flowers in St John’s Gardens.

They have planted both annuals and perennials in the hope that they will be at their best when the judged visit the town in July.

Ludlow in Bloom have provided the plants that are part of the bid to chalk up another in the long-standing string of gold awards.

The Heart of England in Bloom awards are not just about the town being at its floral and fragrant best but also require a demonstration of community involvement and schools have a big part to play in this.

The involvement of the children is intended to give them an interest in flowers and gardening as well as providing them with a share of the involvement in promoting the town.

Every year there is a different theme to the town’s entry and last year the focus was upon edible plants.

Vivienne Parry who leads a team of ‘in bloom’ volunteers says that despite the run of success nothing is taken for granted and that the bar is set ever higher.

Every year there is a different challenge and this time getting the flowers at their best at just the right time will mean managing the transition from winter to high summer temperatures seemingly without the transition of spring.

Last year Ludlow won Gold in all but two of the occasions that it has entered the competition that is open to towns from throughout the West Midlands.

The contribution of ‘in Bloom’ to the town was recognised with a grant of £3,000 from Ludlow Town Council.

Judges will visit Ludlow in July and spend half a day in the town visiting different locations and talking to people who have been involved in the work of making the town both floral and fragrant.

At the end of the visit they will be taken to lunch with councillors and other dignitaries form the town as well as members of the small army of ‘in Bloom’ volunteers who work throughout the year.