Ledbury started the countdown for the Britain in Bloom season at the weekend, when a record 130 hanging baskets were put up in the town centre.

Chris Clarke, spokesperson for the Ledbury in Bloom Committee, said: "They have made such a difference to the town centre already."

The work was carried out on Friday, Saturday and Sunday by Newent firm Roses Country Fayre.

Much of the funding for the hanging baskets has come from Ledbury Town Council.

This year, Ledbury will not only defend its title as the small towns regional category champion and overall winner of the Heart of England region, it will represent the region in the national finals.