STOURBRIDGE traders and residents are hoping the town will blossom this year and scoop the highest honours in the Heart of England in Bloom awards.

The town has scooped silver gilt awards for the last two years running - but Stourbridge in Bloom co-ordinators are keeping their green fingers crossed that the coveted gold award will be theirs this time round.

Parks, streets and open spaces have been tidied up by Dudley Council's Greencare team, and new planters and hanging baskets have been put up around the town.

Stourbridge in Bloom co-ordinator David Harcourt is also encouraging traders to do their bit and keep their premises looking pretty.

He said: "We're always going for gold, there are still things that we need to do - but hopefully we can move forward this year."

He said various areas have been landscaped and Friends of the Parks groups have been busy sprucing up the town's parks - which proved a big hit last year. Wollescote Park was even named the best in the Heart of England region.

Malcolm Knowles, Dudley's cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: "People like to visit attractive towns and this adds to the attractiveness of Stourbridge and we need that.

"I know a lot of people have put a lot of effort in. It would be wonderful if we kept our silver gilt status, but even more so if we went up a bit - so many people have worked so hard."

The judges are set to descend on the town on July 15 to cast their vote on this year's Bloom efforts.

In the meantime - any traders wishing to hang baskets outside their premises or anyone interested in helping to keep the town tidy in the remaining weeks before the competition can call David Harcourt on 01384 378209.