THE people of Upton braved the rain to put on a show for this year's Upton in Bloom entry to the Heart of England in Bloom competition.

Despite the skies being grey, the old churchyard was lit up with flags, stalls, and floral displays to impress the judges, as was the rest of the town.

Jackie Surtees, chairman of Upton in Bloom, said: "We're very pleased with this year's entry.

"Everyone has put in a lot of work into this, and it's nice to see it pay off and come together like this.

"We all appreciate everyone's efforts to make this year's entry what it is."

Mrs Surtees said although there was no specific theme this year, the aim was to make the displays as colourful as possible.

Also at the churchyard, the blues and jazz festivals were represented with stalls, along with the Tudor House Museum and the WI (Women's Institute).

The town's police force was also in attendance, with a stall displaying policing memorabilia.

There was a also a pudding stall selling a range of delicious treats.

Heart of England in Bloom judge, Robin Russell, said he was impressed with the town's entry once again.

Children of Upton Primary School provided the musical backdrop to the judging event, performing songs they themselves had help write.

Along with several Upton Town Councillors, Barbara Williams, chairman of Malvern Hills District Council, was also a special guest.

Last year Upton in Bloom, which was formed in 2004, claimed the gold award in large village category. It is the eleventh time it has claimed the gold in that category.

The results are traditionally announced in September.