Ledbury in Bloom's presentation evening attracted more than 100 supporters to Ledbury Community Centre on Friday.

It included the announcing of results in the gardens and scarecrow competitions.

Both were organised by a team that included Sally Eversham, Clive Jupp, Jo Stevens and Chris Clarke.

Mrs Clarke said: "It was a marvellous event and the turn-out was wonderful."

The event lasted well into the evening, because of the popularity of a gardeners' question time session at the end.

Mrs Clarke said: "The whole event showed the extent of community involvement with Ledbury in Bloom and it encourages people to tidy up their gardens and get ideas, so it's a really big help for the campaign."

Unique for this year was the scarecrow competition, which was in support of the Britain in Bloom judging day in July and attracted entries from 15 adults and four children.

The Blackaby children of Oatleys House won the young category. Ann Blackaby, aged 1l, William, nine, and Oliver, six, put together an imaginative bike-riding scarecrow.

First prize in the adult category went to Barbara Loxton, of Biddulph Way, for a scarecrow complete with orange tights.

There were 15 classes in the gardening competition and the winners of the best gravel garden, Anne and Ian Cook, were also the overall winners.

One feature of the Cook's garden is a bench that has proved to be a popular spot for friends, neighbours and even passers-by.

Mrs Cook, of Orchard Place, said: "I can't quite believe it. Four weeks before judging day, some of the raised beds were not built and it was only the deadline that made us finish."

Results

Scarecrow competition

Adults: 1, Mrs B Loxton, Biddulph Way.

Children: 1, Anna, William and Oliver Blackaby, Oatleys Road.

Highly commended: T Berridge, Secret Garden, Martins Way; Born Court, New Street; T Cale, c/o John Dickinson, New Mills; China Set, The Southend; J Fountain, Masefield Close; Intermediate Care Unit, Market Street; JMHS Learning Support, Mables Furlong; Mrs H Moss, Much Marcle After School Club; F Moehle, New Street; Oops-A-Daisy Florist, The Homend; Mrs L Philpot, Brynbank Knapp Ridge; Painted Room, Church Lane; St Michael's Sunday School, St Michael's Church, Church Lane.

Gardening competition

Front gardens: 1, G Hopkins, Birch Close; 2, Mr Van Laun, Apple House, Underdown; 3, R Mills, Oatleys Crescent; highly commended, Mr and Mrs Cook.

Rear gardens: R Mills, Oatleys Crescent; 2, S Jaynes, Shepherds Close; 3, Mr Goodacre, Queens Court; highly commended, Turner Court residents.

All year round: S Jaynes, Shephers Close; 2, Mrs Hickley, Churchill Meadow; 3, Mrs and Mrs Cook.

Patio Garden: C Jones, Margaret Road; 2, R Mills, Oatleys Crescent; 3, Mr Baldwin, Born Court.

Gravel garden: 1, Mrs and Mrs Cook, Orchard Place; 2, Leadon Bank Day Centre; 3, Mrs Robertson, Market Close; highly commended, W Alexander, Biddulph Way.

Handing baskets: 1, C Jones, Margaret Way; 2, R Mills, Oatley Crescent; 3, Mr Baldwin, Born Court.

Sheltered housing: 1, Harting Court residents; 2, Born Court residents.

Courtyards: 1, D Summerfield, The Homend; 2, Mr Williams, The Homend.

Licensed premises: 1, Talbot Hotel; 2, Horseshoe; 3, Prince of Wales; highly commended, Seven Stars.

Public service buildings: 1, Town Council Offices; 2, Fire Station; 3, Tourist Information Centre.

Retail premises: 1, Foley House; 2, Nat West Bank; 3, Orme, Dyke & Yates.

Industrial premises: 1, Morpack, Lower Road Industrial Estate.

Cul-de-sac: 1, Upperhall Close; 2, Farjeon Close; 3, Hillfield Drive.

Roundabouts: 1, Helping Hand; 2, Countrywide; 3, Amcor Flexibles.

Under 16s, garden, planter, tub: 1, St Michael's Church Sunday School; 2, Urchins; 3, St Michael's Church Sunday School remembrance garden.

Special awards

Courtyard: 90-year-old Mr Williams, of The Homend.

Hanging basket: Mrs Nina Coup, who is severely disabled.