EVESHAM'S bid for a Britain in Bloom award was almost wrecked by vandals who destroyed floral troughs along Workman Bridge, just hours before the judges arrived.

They struck last Sunday night, damaging seven troughs of Surfinias lining the bridge. Some of the £130 troughs were thrown into the river.

Organisers were alerted to the damage early on Monday and quickly sent a team to the bridge to remove the remainder of the flowers.

Mayor Diana Raphael, who has been involved with the competition for five years, slammed the vandals for their actions saying: "I was mortified to learn what had happened.

"I feel extremely sorry for these few sad sick people who cause such wanton destruction.

"If anyone has any idea of how we could decorate the bridge without it being vandalised, I would like to hear from them because we are not going to give up just because of the mindless actions of a few."

Councillor Raphael added that the judges were informed of the vandalism as they were taken around the town's display on Monday. She said: "We just hope they took that into account because we did the best we could."

The town will find out whether it is to receive a Britain in Bloom award on Friday, August 30.

West Mercia Police press officer, Kim Stain, said police were investigating the incident.