DESPITE claiming its ninth consecutive gold Ledbury in Bloom is in "crisis" and could fold next year.

The warning has come from its vice chair who says unless more volunteers are found, Ledbury in Bloom will cease to exist next November.

So far this year three people have stepped down from the committee’s membership, and next year sees the end of the chair and vice chair's three year tenures.

Ideally, it is hoped around 20 people will volunteer with Ledbury in Bloom to stave off the threat of closure, which currently only has around four volunteers trying to maintain the town's greenery. Some days there are as few as two people.

Margaret Thomas said: "Unless a number of new volunteers come forward to help us, Ledbury in Bloom will cease to exist in 12 months’ time.

"We regularly receive calls from the general public complaining about unkempt areas within the town and asking what Ledbury in Bloom are doing about it.

"Unfortunately the answer is always 'what we can'. Our working parties are often only four or five strong and we are seriously over stretched as it is.

"We are a purely volunteer group and not a council group, as some people think. Because of the lack of volunteer trowels on the ground, we have a serious manpower crisis.

"People can give up just one hour a month is they want, it all helps.

"We need a nice looking and well presented town to ensure business and tourism continues to thrive, but to make that happen we need help.

"If people want their town to continue to look lovely, they need to muck in a little."

However, after claiming its RHS gold award this year the Ledbury in Bloom Committee says it is "very pleased" with the result, and thanks the volunteers' hard work.

Plans are now afoot to bring the gold home for a tenth time next year, despite the predicament Ledbury in Bloom is in.

The theme for next year's entry is Roses Grow on you, but the people of Ledbury are being called upon to help with the bid for victory.

Anyone interested in volunteering should call 01531 635 380.