Judges from the Heart of England in Bloom Awards paid their annual visit to Ross-on-Wye yesterday and seemed to be very impressed with what they saw. The judges were greeted at the Chase Hotel by Ross-in-Bloom Chairman, Mrs. Margaret Lucas and key members of her team, Ross Town Mayor, Councillor Jo Lane, Mrs. Peggy Luker and representatives of both Ross Town and Herefordshire Council.

All year round, the Ross-in-Bloom team put in an enormous amount of time and effort into keeping Ross-on-Wye looking beautiful and each year work on a specific project. This year's project meant that the rather grubby looking Pigs Alley was given a major make over and now, with the flower tubs and the painted pigs which adorn the walls, the alley has become a much nicer place to walk through from New Street into the town.

The judges were given a guided tour of the town and were driven around by Neil Lucas, who was kindly loaned a 4x4 by daughter of the late Jacqui Danter, Charmaine, who especially went out and obtained the necessary insurance for the event. As well as a visit to Pigs Alley, the judges route included St. Mary's Churchyard, The Prospect and the Garden of Remembrance and they were then taken round to see the floral displays that many Ross traders and residents had put out before enjoying refreshments at the Chase Hotel at the end of their visit.

Thanks to Ross-in-Bloom, the town does very well in the Heart of England Award and we hope that they are rewarded with a Gold award for their efforts.

Photos by Tina Jones.