THE town has struck gold again.

Ludlow in Bloom has won gold again in the Heart of England in Bloom Awards.

This means that only three times in the past 20 years has Ludlow failed to get the top award.

The trophy cabinet is full of gold but it can never be taken for granted.

A small army of volunteers supported by Ludlow Town Council helps to keep the town looking floral and fragrant every year.

For 2019 the theme for the year was weddings and this was reflected in the flowers and blooms.

Themes in previous years have included edible plants.

Vivienne Parry who heads the ‘in bloom’ group and Ludlow and Town Councillor Jim Smithers made the journey to Staffordshire the hear the announcement of the results.

“Every year we win gold the expectations are higher for the next and it does not get any easier,” said Mrs Parry.

There had been concern in advance of the visit from judges in July because of a problem of fly-tipping in the town but all was well in the end.

The time for celebration will be brief and plans for 2020 are already being prepared.

“We were very pleased to win gold and it is a reward for all the efforts of many people throughout the year,” added Mrs Parry.