LEOMINSTER has another In Bloom gold award.

The judges singled out for praise exhibitions in the Buttercross Arcade and Morris Mews.

They were also impressed with the Alice in Wonderland theme, particularly at Eaton Barn and the BUPA home.

They admired the standard of the plants from Philpotts Nursery, and said that everyone who took part, especially the schoolchildren, should be very proud, according to Gill Ding, manager at Leominster Tourist Information Centre.

"We are thrilled to bits," she added. "Especially as Leominster in Bloom has been honored this year with the Queens Award for Voluntary Service. This is the highest award for community groups and equivalent to an MBE.

"So many Leominster groups as well as individual people help to make the town look fantastic, and the quality of the planting has been exceptional this year.

"Our colour scheme of pastel oranges, yellows, pinks and purples is so unusual that is has attracted a lot of attention, especially from visitors to the town.

"It is really rewarding after so much hard work to, once again, received a gold award, to go alongside our Queens Award."

Britain in Bloom is a year-round competition that allows groups to compete on a regional or national level by using gardening to transform their communities.

Community groups of all sizes can take part in this nationwide competition, from small villages to large cities. Groups choose to do activities that benefit their local area.