Shropshire villages are proud of Heart of England in Bloom success

Representatives and civil dignitaries from five Shropshire towns and villages who scooped gold in the Heart of England in Bloom Awards today spoke of their pride at the achievements.

Bloom campaigners from Shrewsbury and Oswestry, which entered the large town/small city category; Ludlow and Newport, in the town category; and Claverley, in the village category, were yesterday told they had received the highest award in their categories.

Councillor Betty Gull, chairman of Oswestry in Bloom, said she was delighted that Oswestry had retained its gold award and had two individual merit awards.

The awards were issued to Lawrence Burton and Steve Tranter, members of the committee. Miss Gull said: "All committee members are expected to give so much of their time but they have gone above and beyond the call of duty. The committee members have worked their socks off,"

Claverley scooped gold as well as the overall best village. Committee chairman Rod Parr also came away with this year's award for the best chairman. He said: "We are just so delighted and I would like to thank everyone for the massive contribution that was put in by the volunteers. This year has been magical."

Meanwhile, Newport'svolunteers said they were delighted after scooping the town's seventh gold medal in a row and taking the top town category.

Barrie Pierce, a committee member and volunteer, said: "We were delighted to win the best town of our size and when they read out the citation the judges said they were impressed with the tidiness to the town."

Councillor Jackie Brennand, chairman of the Shrewsbury in Bloom Committee said: "I am absolutely delighted with the results, especially as this is our first year entering the competition as the newly formed town council."

Veronica Calderbank, clerk of Ludlow Town Council, said: "We are absolutely delighted to achieve gold for the second year."

By Russell Roberts