YOUNGSTERS are flying the flag for Malvern by getting involved in the town’s In Bloom efforts.

Members of Malvern in Bloom are currently finishing preparations for the town’s Heart of England in Bloom judging visit, which takes place on Thursday afternoon (July 21).

And chairman John Jordan received a timely boost ahead of the big day when he was informed that Malvern’s youngsters have once again excelled in the regional Heart of England in Bloom children’s art competition.

Children from Malvern collected nine out of the 18 prizes on offer, leaving Mr Jordan delighted.

“Last year we had eight winners, and to do even better this time around is fantastic,” he said. “It is an incredibly high percentage of winners when you consider that what a very small percentage area-wise of the West Midlands Malvern accounts for. Full credit to the children and the staff at our local schools for showing an interest in Bloom and coming up with such wonderful work.”

A presentation in Malvern will be arranged for the winners.

Young people have also been supporting Malvern in Bloom in other ways.

Over the last few weeks members of the Beacon Explorer Scouts, Boys Brigade and Sea Cadets have been painting railings in Priory Park, while Girl Guides helped tidy up the churchyard at Malvern Priory.

“As always we are getting fantastic support from young people in Malvern,” said Mr Jordan.

Local prizewinners in the 2011 Heart of England in Bloom children’s art competition: First prize, reception/nursery: Naomi Lewis, Somers Park Primary.

Second prize, reception/nursery: Madeleine Laycock, Somers Park Primary.

First prize, year one: Adele Deville, Northleigh Primary.

Second prize, year one: Gabriella Cuckney (entry submitted via Malvern Library).

Second prize, year two: Emily Howard, Somers Park Primary.

Second prize, year four: Georgina Inchbald (entry submitted via Malvern Library).

First prize, year five and overall winner: Annabel Dawson, Somers Park Primary.

Second prize, year five: Jade Hughes, Somers Park Primary.

Highly commended, year five: Marie Barber, Somers Park Primary.