Glowing tributes have been paid to Tom Deane who is to step down as chairman of Ledbury in Bloom.

In the seven years he has been at the helm, Ledbury has gone from being a constant runner-up in the small town's regional category of Britain in Bloom, to winning the title three years in a row.

This year, in the national finals, it was recognised as the best small town in the UK.

Mr Deane himself was given a special commendation by judges at the awards ceremony in London's Guildhall on September 30.

The event was also attended by mayor Keith Francis, who said: "With the support of his wife, Mary, Tom has displayed unassuming but inspirational leadership and raised Ledbury's profile to the peak it achieved this year.

"Without someone of Tom's calibre, we wouldn't have been able to do it.

"He and Mary have led by example, cleaning up the bypass and elsewhere and always going the extra mile."

Chris Clarke, publicity officer for Ledbury in Bloom and the Tourist Information Centre supervisor, said: "Tom turned everything round and was responsible for so much. He worked so hard and will be a hard act to follow. He always gave 100 per cent."

Mr Deane said he would be glad to offer practical

advice to his successor.

"Mary and I will retain and interest in Ledbury in Bloom," he said. "We've reached a peak and after this year it seems the ideal time to stand down."

Mr Deane will join campaign supporters at the Ledbury in Bloom annual meeting on Monday, at the Market House, at 7pm.