MALVERN in Bloom won its eighth gold medal in nine years at yesterday’s Heart of England in Bloom awards – but narrowly missed the top spot.

And there was also success for Upton as it struck gold once more.

At the awards ceremony held in Shrewsbury, Malvern’s delegation heard that they were beaten to the first prize in their category of large town by the Staffordshire town of Biddulph.

Bloom chairman, John Jordan, said: “We were up against tough competition with Biddulph, so it’s no disgrace to be pipped to the post by them.

“This will only make us more determined to make even more of an effort next year and aim for the top once again.”

He added: “There was a special mention for the Morgan pub, which won a silver gilt award in the hotel or pub garden category, and I’m pleased to be able to congratulate them on this achievement.

“We want to thank all those from the district council and town council, local businesses and residents and all the volunteers who work so hard to make our success possible.

“We hope they will join us in making next year’s bid even more of a success.”

Meanwhile, there was good news for Upton, who managed to scoop another gold award in the large village category.

Jackie Surtees, of the Bloom team, said: “We’re very pleased with the award after all the hard work that’s gone into our entry.

“It’s very much a team effort, so we want to thank all our volunteers, all of the sponsors who have helped us and everyone who supported us by taking part in our fundraising, buying raffle tickets and so on.

“We can’t do it without your help.”

A special certificate of merit has beenwas awarded to horticulturalist Brian Williams of Cornerways Nursery, Twyning, for his contributions to Upton’s Bloom bids.

“He does much more than supply our plants,” said Mrs Surtees.

“He’s a very important member of the team and we’re delighted his contribution has been recognised.”

There were three local winners in the Hotels and Pub category – Raphael’s in Evesham gained gold, The Morgan in Malvern was awarded a silver gilt and The Talbot Hotel in Ledbury won silver.

Two local entrants received certificates of merit in the Bloom section, Brian Williams from Upton in Bloom and Betty and Edgar Whitely from Bromyard in Bloom.

Overall the local winners were: Bromyard in Bloom (small town), silver gilt; Ledbury in Bloom (town), gold; Hereford in Bloom (small city), gold; Leominster in Bloom (town), silver gilt; Malvern in Bloom (large town), gold; Pebworth in Bloom (village), silver gilt; Redditch Borough Council (small city), gold and Upton in Bloom (large village), gold.

MALVERN in Bloom won its eighth gold medal in nine years at yesterday’s Heart of England in Bloom awards – but narrowly missed the top spot.

And there was also success for Upton as it struck gold once more.

At the awards ceremony, held at Shrewsbury, Malvern’s delegation heard that they were beaten to the first prize in their category of large town by the Staffordshire town of Biddulph.

Bloom chairman, John Jordan, said: “We’re up against tough competition with Biddulph, so it’s no disgrace to be pipped to the post by them.

“This will only make us more determined to make even more of an effort next year and aim for the top once again.”

He added: “There was a special mention for the Morgan pub, which won a silver gilt award in the hotel or pub garden category, and I’m pleased to be able to congratulate them on this achievement.

“We want to thank all those, from the district council and town council, local businesses and residents, and all the volunteers who work so hard to make our success possible.

“We hope they will join us in making next year’s bid even more of a success.”

Meanwhile, there was good news for Upton, who managed to scoop another gold award in the large village category.

Jackie Surtees, of the Bloom team, said: “We’re very pleased with the award after all the hard work that’s gone into our entry.

“It’s very much a team effort, so we want to thank all our volunteers, all of the sponsors who have helped us and everyone who supported us by taking part in our fundraising, buying raffle tickets and so on.

“We can’t do it without your help.”

A special certificate of merit has been awarded to horticulturalist Brian Williams of Cornerways Nursery, Twyning, for his contributions to Upton’s Bloom bids.

“He does much more than supply our plants,” said Mrs Surtees.

“He’s a very important member of the team and we’re delighted his contribution has been recognised.”

There were three local winners in the Hotels and Pub category - Raphael’s in Evesham got Gold; The Morgan in Malvern was awarded a Silver Gilt and The Talbot Hotel, in Ledbury won Silver.

Two local entrants received Certificates of Merit in the Bloom section - Brian Williams from Upton in Bloom and Betty & Edgar Whitely from Bromyard in Bloom.

Overall the local winners were: Bromyard in Bloom (small town) - Silver-Gilt; Ledbury in Bloom (town) - Gold; Hereford in Bloom (small city) - Gold; Leominster in Bloom (town) - Silver-Gilt; Malvern in Bloom (large town) - Gold; Pebworth in Bloom (village) - Silver-Gilt; Redditch Borough Council (small city) - Gold and Upton in Bloom (large village) - Gold.