THE co-chairman of a Herefordshire forum says the county will be well represented in this year’s Heart of England in Bloom competition.

Six towns and villages are hoping to better the Golds and Silver Gilts picked up in 2007 and Mary Sinclair Powell, of Herefordshire and Wye Valley in Bloom, says there is plenty of support for them within the county.

Entrants are judged in a number of categories, including floral, sustainability, recycling, conservation and community involvement.

Judges also look for a lack of weeds, litter and graffiti when scoring for the competition, which is now run by the Royal Horticultural Society.

Mrs Sinclair Powell said: “We are delighted that we get tremendous support as a group from Herefordshire Council’s Parks and Countryside department, as well as receiving a grant from the council towards the cost of putting on such prestigious days for the county.

“I do hope that, once again, the communities will commit themselves to supporting all of the in-bloomers on their important days.”

She added that good results in the competition could only be good for county tourism.

Judges will be paying morning visits to Bromyard on July 3, Ledbury on July 16, Eardisland on July 17 and Ross-on-Wye on July 22.

Afternoon trips will be made to Tarrington on July 17 and Leominster on July 18.

Anyone wishing to help can contact their local In Bloom group via their town or parish council, Tourist Information Centre or library.