THE Chase is putting its full support behind Malvern's Heart of England in Bloom bid.

The school will be a key player in the town's efforts to go for gold in this year's competition, due to be judged early in July.

Judges will visit the school, where staff will explain the eco-friendly practices and facilities it has to offer.

A tour of the on-site garden of reflection will be top of the list. The garden was created five years ago to encourage plant, animal and insect life to re-populate the school's land.

"We are a massive school, which is taking quite a bit from the environment, so we decided it was time to give a little back," said the school's sustainability co-ordinator Lee Campion.

"We planted a number of indigenous plants to encourage animal life and insects, and put in two benches made from recycled materials."

Judges will also be shown plans for the new science block, which includes a roof-top eco-garden to further increase wildlife at the school.