A HOST of scruffy individuals will greet the Ledbury in Bloom judges on judging day, but campaign organisers believe the overall impression will be favourable.

Ledbury in Bloom is arranging a scarecrow building competition as part of the town's entry to this year's entry to Heart of England in Bloom.

Competition spokesman, Martyn Treasure said: "It is hoped that we can have as many characters around the town as possible to make us all smile.

"The entry will be judged on Wednesday July 22 and all entries should be brought to the Ledbury Walled Garden at 4pm. The following day is Ledbury in Bloom Judging, Thursday July 23, so we would like to display the creations all around the town."

Ledbury in Bloom has won eight Royal Horticultural Social gold medals in a row, from 2006 to 2014, in the Heart of England in Bloom competition.

All scarecrows must be made from scratch and they must be able to withstand all weather conditions. All scarecrows must have a minimum height of 1.8m.

There can be one entry only for each group or individual.

To tie in with the Ledbury in Bloom theme, each scarecrow must include an element of plant material, and entrants are encouraged to use plant materials.

Props or accessories may be used "to enhance your scarecrow".

Finally, a name and a description must be clearly visible on the scarecrow.

There will be two categories, one for children under 11 and another for older children and adults.

There will be prizes of £50 for the winning entries and runners up prizes of £20 in both categories.

Entry forms must be in by July 19.

They may be downloaded from the website https://ledburyinbloom.wordpress.com