BIDDULPH Way resident Tracy Mason has received the Les Topham Trophy from Britain in Bloom for turning a neglected traffic island into a riot of colour.

Mrs Mason had to get special permission from the Highways Authority to tackle the Biddulph Way traffic island, near the closed-down Deer Park stores.

But her troubles were only starting, as the surface turf had first to be removed from the island and the earth beneath was rock hard.

Then there was watering. Mrs Mason's only recourse was to buy a 100m length of hosepipe and had to run it down the street from her home. But even that wasn't long enough and extensions had to be used.

Mrs Mason said: "In the summer I had to water the island every day, especially during the heat wave."

Her reward was colourful begonias and marigolds around the central oak tree.

Mrs Mason's efforts were further rewarded at the Britain in Bloom regional awards ceremony in Coventry Cathedral last Friday.

She said: "I was shocked. I didn't know I was going to get a special award. I thought I was only there because there was a spare place."

Chris Clarke, Ledbury in Bloom committee member, said: "It's wonderful for the town and shows community involvement. She really deserves the award.

"You could see the surprise on her face."