HEREFORD in Bloom has come up with a novel idea to help raise the funds to pay for planting the flower beds and planters around the city centre.

When Herefordshire Council withdrew funding for flower displays last year, Bloom volunteers raised £8,000 to buy the plants and the city council paid for the watering.

Now they have to raise the cash to pay for this year’s plants and have come up with a scheme in which everyone is entered into a competition for each £5 donated.

The winners will receive a pair of VIP tickets to the opening or closing concert of the 300th anniversary of the Three Choirs Festival at Hereford Cathedral as well as dinner for two at the Castle House Hotel.

Donations and names and addresses can be sent to The Treasurer, Hereford in Bloom, 35 Harold Street, Hereford HR1 2QU.

Businesses are also invited to sponsor roundabouts and flower beds.

For more details, visit HerefordinBloom.co.uk