Hereford'S bid for Britain in Bloom glory was launched in a blaze of colour in High Town last week.

It is hoped more people and businesses will get involved than ever before in this year's competition, which sees the city entered in the Large Town category.

And in recent weeks, the effort has received a boost with a £5,000 grant from the Beaumont Trust for 'Iron Trees' to be erected around Hereford, each carrying between eight and 10 hanging baskets.

In addition, Hereford City Parish Council has pledged to allocate funds for the county's parks and countryside service to provide some extra floral decorations.

Elsewhere, the railway station will be brightened up with flowers filling two huge metal planters and the Fuchsia Society will put up hanging baskets.

A 'sword of colour' will also carve through Hereford after sponsorship from three city businesses was secured to fill the central reservation on the relief road between Newmarket Street and Victoria Street full of flowers.

BBC Hereford & Worcester has also offered its support by launching three new floral competitions.

Prizes will be awarded for the best front garden, the best community garden and the best community shopping area.

During the launch, a net full of mauve, white and yellow balloons was released representing the colour theme for city displays.

LET'S make it blooming lovely! - BBC Hereford and Worcester gardening guru Reg Moule and Hereford Mayor Richard Thomas launch Hereford's bid for the Britain in Bloom competition. 6

HEREFORD TIMES staff photograph by DAVID GRIFFITHS 83633/DC1.