Ludlow to host prestigious floral awards ceremony
"It's absolutely fantastic." That's the reaction of Vivienne Parry, long-serving chairman of the Ludlow in Bloom committee, after it was announced the town will host this year's Heart of England in Bloom awards ceremony.
About 300 delegates competing for floral glory from across the region will descend on the town in the autumn to learn how they have done in the competition.
Towns, villages, hotels and pubs in the central region compete every year in a range of categories and are judged on quality of floral displays, community involvement and taking pride in their surroundings.
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Mrs Parry, who is also Shropshire councillor for Ludlow South, said: "I think it's absolutely fantastic. We work very hard.
"Over the last 13 years we've won gold 11 times. It is wonderful that they will be bringing the awards ceremony here.
"We are going to get someone to do the food and in the afternoon we will give groups the chance to have guided tours to show what Ludlow has to offer."
Ludlow Town Council formally resolved to agree to the idea at a recent meeting.
Councillor Parry added: "We would like to thank the town council for all they have done. It wouldn't be possible without their help. Each year they give us £2,500 for the flowers and everything."
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It is hoped the awards will be presented at Ludlow Assembly Rooms, but a date has yet to be fixed. Ludlow bagged its 11th gold in the town section of the In Bloom awards in 2015, along with Bridgnorth.
Other notable successes included Shrewsbury BID winning both a gold and category award, while Oswestry struck gold in the large town category. Shropshire pubs celebrating wins included the Old Castle Inn in Bridgnorth and the Charlton Arms in Ludlow.
