As your readers may be aware, Ludlow in Bloom was awarded 'Gold' at the Heart of England in Bloom award ceremony in Birmingham Cathedral on Friday, September 1.

Ludlow also won the Town category award, beating other Shropshire towns such as Bridgnorth, Oswestry and Newport, as well as Malvern, Leominster, Pershore and Stroud.

As secretary of Ludlow in Bloom I would appreciate it if I can use your letters page to thank everyone in Ludlow who has supported Ludlow in Bloom in many different ways through the year, and especially during the visit of the judges on July 12.

My thanks go to all the children in Ludlow's schools, as well as those in Clee Hill and Ashford Carbonell, and both Brownie packs who put a great deal of effort into growing daffodils and entering our art competition at the beginning of the year.

Many local organisations have helped with support and information for our presentation to the judges including the Teme Weirs Trust, Friends of Whitcliffe, Town Centre Residents Association, Wrigley's Field Allotment Holders, British Legion, Millennium Green Trust, Friends of St Leonard's, Ludlow and District Horticultural Society and Local to Ludlow.

Those residents and businesses which sponsored and/or watered and maintained the new tubs round the town centre helped us enormously, as did all those businesses which put up hanging baskets and planted their own tubs to brighten up the town centre. Many of the town centre shops and offices displayed the 'We support Ludlow in Bloom' posters, which made an impression on the judges, and all kept their frontages as clear as possible, which was also noted during the judges' visit.

My thanks also go to all those residents who entered our Gardens and Frontages competitions helped to brighten up the streets of Ludlow and the judges commented on the number of colourful gardens they saw on their tour.

Those individuals and organisations who hosted the judges, even for just a few minutes, during their visit to Ludlow deserve a mention - St Leonard's Churchyard, Ludlow School, Wheeler Road Playing Fields, Mr Lewis of The Willows in Sheet Road, Casemill Weir, Ludford Park, Cliff Park and the Millennium Green - the judges had positive comments about their visits.

I do not forget those who were present in Top Square to greet the judges - the Ludlow Male Voice Choir, the Brownies and Mike Shanahan, town crier 'borrowed' for the occasion. Special thanks are due to Jonathon Wood who drove the judges round Ludlow in his vintage Austin car for the second year. Last, and definitely not least, the direct labour force of Ludlow Town Council who have helped the committee of Ludlow in Bloom in many ways and who helped to make judging day such a success.

Mrs Pat Gormley,

Secretary to Ludlow in Bloom,

The Old Hall, Temeside, Ludlow.

See this week's Ludlow Advertiser for more letters