LEDBURY is being asked to pull out all the stops over the next few weeks to ensure further Heart of England in Bloom glory, and the countdown is on.

The team has an eleventh Royal Horticultural Society gold medal firmly in its sights; the judging day has been announced, as Monday July 17, from 9.30am; and now the Ledbury in Bloom Chairman, Clive Gunn, is hoping local residents will do their bit to make sure Ledbury is looking its very best for the judges.

Mr Gunn said: "We hope that residents are enjoying the improvements that we have been making to Ledbury this spring and summer. Our theme this year is All Things Bright and Beautiful and already the tubs have been dressed by our volunteers and the hanging baskets are up, with thanks to Ledbury Town Council and Radway Bridge Garden Centre.

Have you been through The Walled Garden or Queen’s Walk recently? Or have you strolled past the Almshouse beds, the entrance to St. Katherine’s Car Park or the entrance to The Master's House?

These are only the highlights as there are so many places that help to make Ledbury bright and beautiful. However, there is still plenty to do and we want to show the judges more of Ledbury than that. This year the judges from Britain in Bloom will be here on the morning of Monday July 17 and the tour that they take is only allowed to be two hours maximum. We would love to show them some of the projects on the outskirts of Ledbury like the allotments and the community garden on The Bromyard Road, The 'cricket pitch on Dog Hill Wood, the real cricket pitch on The Ross Road or The Riverside Walk but we don’t have time."

This is where extra community involvement will come in useful.

Mr Gunn said: "We are forced to concentrate on the heart of Ledbury within the bypass so for the first time we would like them to see some of the work that residents are doing to make their gardens lovely, your neighbourhood brighter and more beautiful. So how can you help?

"Firstly, we want to show them the beautiful front gardens of Deer Park. Watch out for the Community Action Ledbury minibus that morning it should not be difficult to miss We aim to drive along Biddulph Way and up Jubilee Drive but the judges are renowned for asking for a short detour or a quick stop. Do you know someone who lives there who might need a helping hand? Help them if you can or let us know."

The weekend immediately before judging day will be especially busy "with volunteers hard at it".

Mr Gunn said: "Please, lend us a hand."

Anyone wishing to get involved should phone, 01531634716.