LEOMINSTER has entered the Heart of England tourist board's Britain in Bloom contest for the first time.

Town centre manager Elaine Griffin has worked with many agencies to improve the general appearance of the town in time for the judging.

"Everyone has been most helpful," she said. "The countryside service, Herefordshire Nature Trust, Herefordshire Council and many other people have supported me.

"My only disappointment has been the lack of response from town centre traders to the subsidised hanging baskets that were on offer. I can only hope that they have made their own arrangements and will have some floral decoration on their business premises this year."

Britain in Bloom is not just about hanging baskets, however, it is also about conservation and the judges will be shown the conservation area at Minster College and the Millennium Wood, among others.

Anyone who would like to be involved in the Britain in Bloom competition should call Elaine Griffin on 01568 616348.