THIS year is extra special for Ledbury in Bloom, the gold-winning community organisation which is out to celebrate its 25th anniversary with another triumph in the Heart of England in Bloom competition.

But Ledbury in Bloom needs more volunteers to make the silver anniversary campaign another blooming success, and things are already looking positive.

All the existing roundabouts on Ledbury bypass now have local business sponsors. Improvements are planned for the Welcome to Ledbury signs on the main roads, and work at Ledbury train station "will improve the first impression that visitors will get when they arrive in Ledbury".

The volunteers are seeking another Royal Horticultural Society gold medal, which would mean a dozen consecutive golds, to add extra sparkle to the group's silver anniversary year

Ledbury in Bloom chairman, Clive Gunn said: "Have you noticed the volunteers of Ledbury in Bloom tidying up around town? They have been busy bees again in Queens Walk, The Top Cross, The Almshouse Beds, The Walled Garden, and St. Katherines Car Park. This year they have also attacked the bed in Belle Orchard and for the first time for several years the platform beds at Ledbury Station. All existing beds are now pruned and ready for planting.

"But there is one problem: we need some more volunteers!"

Mr Gunn added: "We are looking for new people to help build on our success.

He added: “It’s easy really. You don’t need to be an expert to be a volunteer. Enthusiasm is much more important and if you want to learn more about gardening then come and join us. Just answer these questions. Do you enjoy gardening or working outdoors? Are you over eighteen? Do you have a spare hour most week’s this spring and summer? If the answers are all yes, then Ledbury In Bloom would love to hear from you.

"Over the spring, on Wednesdays, their prunings and deadheads have gone straight to the Recycling Centre and in return the soil improver that they sell there has been added to the beds. From now most of the team's work is done on Thursday afternoons at 4pm. However, if you would like to help on a different day or time then we would still like to hear from you as there is always something to do especially at weekends."

Further details on 01531 634716.