STOURBRIDGE volunteers will be going for gold once again as the town takes part in the Heart of England in Bloom contest.

The popular campaign was scrapped last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

This year, however, with lockdown restrictions easing - Stourbridge, which has won nine gold awards over the years, is once again set to take part and volunteers have already been setting to work on brightening up the town.

Members of Stourbridge's u3a group have been busy taking care of the planters in Foster Street in the town centre.

Thanks to their weeding and planting efforts last autumn, when they put in bulbs and pansies, the planters are already blossoming ahead of this year's entry in the prestigious Heart of England in Bloom campaign.

David Harcourt, who co-ordinates the town's Bloom entry, said: "U3a members have been very good to do this off their own steam. There'll certainly be some colour to brighten up the town - that's our contribution to summer."

He added: "We always encourage all the businesses to do something but it's difficult to know whether people can put their hands in their pockets to buy flowering baskets this year."

Any groups or individuals wishing to get involved with this year's campaign are invited to get in touch.

Mr Harcourt said: "If anybody wants to help - even if just for a couple of hours - they can join in.There's lots of weeding and all the planters to do and hanging baskets."

Stourbridge's entry in the Bloom campaign is expected to be judged in a drive-by visit from the Heart of England in Bloom team and on portfolios that need to be submitted by the end of July detailing projects and work that has taken place.

Anyone interested in getting involved with this year's Bloom campaign can contact David Harcourt by emailing harcourt51@aol.com.

Those interested in joining Stourbridge u3a group can find out more online at stourbridgeu3a.org.uk. New members are always welcome.