ORGANISERS of the Bromyard in Bloom bid are celebrating after the town gained a silver gilt award for its floral displays.

In its second year of competing in the regional competition, the town went one better than last year's bronze.

"We knew we'd done the same or better because of the comments the judges made when they were going around the town," said Brom-yard in Bloom secretary Gill Chur- chill.

Bromyard had been dogged by street cleaners' failure to turn up on judging day but Gill is not aware if that lost the entry marks.

She said: "There was no sign that we'd lost marks for it in the judges comments.

"Perhaps it was a couple of marks but we won't know until the autumn seminar when we can speak to the judges."

In their summary of the Bromyard entry, released when the results were announced at Coventry Cathedral last Friday, the judges said: "The hanging baskets and planters throughout the centre of Bromyard were very colourful, vibrant and eye- catching, which gave a really lifted the spirits of the town centre - well done.

"Bromyard has advanced well and with continued enthusiasm and attention to detail, the judges feel sure that you can maintain your silver gilt award and move up to the gold standard."

Now the bid leaders are already thinking about next year's entry.

"We'll be going for gold then," said Gill. "That's the aim and I think it's realistic. We've been looking at flowers and colours for next year but we need more community involvement.

"People do help in the background but we definitely need more of the community to help nearer the judging day."

The certificate will be on display at the new library extension to Bromyard Leisure Centre once building work is completed.