WHEN LEDBURY gets its scarecrows out, it must be getting very close to the Ledbury in Bloom judging day.

For the second year in a row, scarecrows will be an eye-catching feature of the Ledbury in Bloom presentation, and it is a project that calls for, and gets, real community involvement.

Ledbury in Bloom held the judging of the annual scarecrow competition last Saturday July 2 at the Master's House.

The winning entry chosen by Andy Ward, landlord of the Talbot Hotel, was Eric the Ecowarrior made by the pupils of Bromsberrow Primary School.

Ledbury in Bloom spokesman, Martyn Treasure said: "The children had grown items to be part of the display; they had drawn pictures of insects and bugs, knitted a mouse and attached these items to the scarecrow.

"The class had also decided who's face in the class should be used as the scarecrow's face."

Second prize went to Ben the Bell made by Katie Brian, James Owen, and Ben Owen.

This was a tribute to Ledbury's town crier, Bill "The Bell Turberfield.

Third prize went to the pupils of the reception class at Ledbury Primary School.

Mr Treasure said: "They included many recyclable items including the school milk cartons for the legs and plants also featured as part of the scarecrow's attire.

"The scarecrow also had a label with a QR code linking to a You Tube video of the school singing a song about the scarecrow."

The judges for the Heart of England division of Britain in Bloom will be touring the town on the afternoon of July 18 July to assess the floral displays and work of Ledbury in Bloom.

Mr Treasure said: "The town has received gold awards every year since 2007 and it is hoped that the successes will continue this year."