HEREFORD'S best ever display of flowers won a Silver Gilt award in the Britain in Bloom competition just missing out on the Gold the Hereford in Bloom volunteers had been hoping for.

Chairman Kevin Knipe said: “Everyone has been commenting on just how good the flower beds, planters and hanging baskets around the city centre looked this summer giving a colourful welcome to shoppers and visitors, which is our main aim.

“But it is not just the flowers the judges are looking at with points awarded in several categories, including sustainability and environmental issues and this is an area in which we must improve next year after a careful study of the judge’s report.”

The Heart of England regional awards were presented last Thursday at Warick Castle.

The judges said: “The sheer hard work and dedication of the Hereford in Bloom volunteers makes a huge difference to the attractiveness of the city.”