COMMUNITY activist Angela Pendleton cajoled Leominster townspeople to 'go for gold' in a bid to win a top prize in the Heart of England in Bloom competition.

The 'troops' led by the honorary 'operation commander' Brigadier Peter Jones rallied for a week-long litter busting operation. Community spirit flowered. The paint pots were out and much manicuring was underway around the town.

But with competition judges due to arrive very soon the dry spell before yesterday's (Wednesday's) rain have put blooms in peril.

Angela has found that keeping some plants alive has become a very "tall order".

A high footbridge with more than 50 steps was recently built at Leominster Railway Station.

There is no water supply on the east platform where Angela has planted up three huge tubs with Dragonwing Begonias and cascading Silver Fools.

Each day she lugs 40 litres of water to her precious plants. The task requires four journeys across the bridge.

"I fill eight containers each holding five litres but I can only carry two at a time," said Angela. "It's keeping me very fit - but I sometimes wish there was a stair lift!"

Her efforts are just part of extensive preparations for the bloom contest involving many volunteers. A knot garden of more than 1,000 plants is being created in the grounds of Grange Court and 66 barrel-type flower tubs are being sited around the town and at local schools.

Teams have been turning out on Sunday mornings to give a lick of paint to bollards, bins and railings. A network of area 'custodians' is being formed to keep the town tidy.

"It's about raising the civic pride of Leominster and taking responsibility for the environment - not just waiting for someone else to do it," said Angela.

"We are looking for a change of attitude."