FIRST-TIMERS at the world's largest flower show have scooped a bronze medal.

Kidderminster Horticultural Society wowed judges at the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show last week with their hanging basket and window box.

The society was up against 40 other gardening societies and horticultural clubs nationwide affiliated to the Royal Horticultural Society, which staged the event.

It has previously harvested silver and bronze medals at the Chelsea Flower Show but this was the first time it had entered the Hampton Court show, held in the gardens of the London palace.

"The standard was very high and I'm very pleased," said Graham Ford, who made the two exhibits. "It has inspired me to try a lot harder next year and go for that coveted gold."

The two prize-winning creations will be up for grabs on Sunday at the society's annual open day, taking place in 13 members' and members' friends' gardens in Kidderminster.

Raffle tickets will be on sale to people admiring gardens "of all shapes and sizes" and the money raised - as well as proceeds from entry fees - will be donated to Kemp Hospice.

A replica hanging basket and window box were raffled at last month's Kidderminster Carnival and raised £50 for the event's two nominated causes, Headway Wyre Forest and a fund for a new youth centre for autistic children.

For further information about the open day, which starts at 1am, contact organiser Sue Cooke on 01562 631036.