SUMMER is always marked in Alcester by its bloomin' marvellous display of hanging baskets, plants, flowers and arrangements around every corner.

And this year was no exception, with efforts being stepped up for the town to look its best for the annual garden competition, held two weeks ago.

One of the judges, retired principal of Pershore Horticulture College David Hall, said he was amazed at the displays around the town and the warm welcome he had received.

The winning garden was Mrs Peachey at Ten Acres, best frontage was Mrs O'Malley in Meadow Road and best shop was Mica Electrical in Swan Street.

The Hollybush in Henley Street was awarded best pub, Oversley House Residents won best residential, St Nicholas won best church and for community effort, Church St Properties.

And the hard work did not stop there, with gardeners continuing their efforts for the arrival of Heart of England Britain in Bloom judges David Wassell MBE and Les Goodman on Friday.

They were greeted by the town crier, Lord and Lady Hertford and Sir William and Lady Lawrence.

In Bloom chairman Maggie Payne, along with her husband, town mayor Eric, led the judges around the gardens before touring residents' houses on a road train donated by Severn Lamb of Alcester.

Results for Britain in Bloom will not be known for a number of months.