A CALL has gone out to townsfolk to help ensure that the top Britain In Bloom trophy stays in Evesham.

Last year, for the first time, Evesham won the title of Most Outstanding Medium Town in the Heart of England.

It beat Stratford into second place, which had won the award nearly every year since the 1980s.

Last year's trophy was the result of tremendous effort, not only by the Britain in Bloom committee, but by the people of Evesham who were specially commended by the judges for their community spirit.

Chairman of the Evesham in Bloom committee, Diana Raphael said: "The judges told us the result was very close and it's going to be even more difficult this year to win because all the other towns in our category are improving.

"However, the committee has been working hard all through the winter making plans for an even bigger and better display than ever before.

"Local Evesham nursery, Proculture, has once again started the ball rolling by donating about 10,000 plug plants and compost which we have handed out to 11 schools to help the children make them bloom.

"They made such a wonderful contribution last year." "We are hoping that more people in the private sector will be inspired by the children and will make an extra effort to keep not only their own gardens pretty and looking good, but will keep the pavements outside their doors clear of weeds and litter."

The committee still need more sponsorship for displays, especially for the cost of planting the town's Coat of Arms outside the Almonry Museum.

Mrs Raphael, who is also Evesham's deputy mayor, added: "Anyone with any ideas on how to improve our town, where we can make improvement or would like to help with judging the schools competition, please get in touch with the town clerk, Frank Green on 01386 47070."