THERE will be a photographic ‘in bloom’ competition for people in Ludlow and the surrounding area this year.

The competition is a bid to fill some of the gap left by the cancellation of the normal annual Heart of England in Bloom because of Covid-19.

So whilst the town will not get the chance to land another gold award in 2020 people in Ludlow and living within a seven mile radius of the town will get a chance to win a prize.

Normally, Ludlow in Bloom runs a competition for residents and businesses with a wide range of prizes in categories ranging from large gardens through business fronts to hanging baskets.

“Unfortunately because of the Corvid epidemic it is not possible to run our normal competition this year,” said Vivienne Parry, chair of Ludlow in Bloom.

“However, having been forced to stay home, many of us have paid a lot of attention to our gardens. As a result there are a great many superb gardens across our area which deserve recognition."

Ludlow in Bloom therefore are going to run a special lockdown gardening competition with four categories: best garden, best hanging basket, best large vegetable. There is also a largest sunflower competition for children.

People wanting to take part are asked to take a photo of each entry and submit it with the date is was taken with a ruler alongside the exhibit in categories marked.

Entries can be from Ludlow or anywhere within a seven mile radius.

There will be first, second and third prizes in every category.

Please Send all entries to Vivienne Parry email vivienne.parry@shropshire.gov.uk or post to 31 Clifton Villas, Ludlow SY8 1PA to arrive by 5pm on Friday, July 31.