LEDBURY in Bloom has launched its 2016 with a strong show of community support, after recent appeals for help.

Eleven new volunteers have stepped forward, with five helping with the actual launch and a further six indicating that they are willing to help in their own time.

There was also a right royal theme to the official launch, which took place in the Walled Garden on Thursday, April 7, with the planting of two new trees, to mark the Queen's 90th birthday.

The planting took place with the assistance of Andrew Wilson, director of the Helping Hand Company, which is based off the Bromyard Road.

Ledbury in Bloom spokesman, Martyn Treasure said: "The trees are both crab apples or Malus, one is called 'Royalty. and the other 'Royal Beauty'.

"We hope that they will provide colour and year round interest in the garden."

He added: "The Helping Hand company have been a long time supporter of Ledbury in Bloom, providing a great deal of much appreciated help to the team over the years.

"Our first In Bloom working session was extremely well attended with several new volunteers coming along to help. We had a team of 10 working in the Walled Garden and several others offered to help in their own time around the town. We were so pleased to see so many new faces and grateful for all the offers of help."

Now the team, new members and old, are keeping their fingers crossed a tenth Royal Horticultural Society gold award for the town.

The date for this year's Heart of England in Bloom judging day will be Tuesday, July 19.

Before last week's successful official launch, the team warned that warned that a Heart of England in Bloom campaign may not be sustainable in the future, despite the town's enduring success in the competition, unless there were more hands on board.

Extra volunteers will always be welcome, and anyone seeking further information should phone, 01531 635380.