A BLAZE of colour is being brought to the city's streets thanks to the volunteers behind Hereford in Bloom.

Flower beds and planters would have remained dull and empty due to funding cuts reducing gardening budgets.

But visitors to the city will now be met by 3,000 plants, 500 shrubs and 104 hanging baskets following the determined efforts of a community partnership.

The project, which sees Bloom volunteers work alongside Hereford City Council and the Business Improvement District (BID) team, is costing around £28,000 with watering throughout the summer taking up the biggest slice of the bill.

Planting began this week and was led by Bloom member Paul Hodges. He learned the tricks of the trade with Harry Williamson, founder of Wyevale nurseries, and for many years was manager of King's Acre garden centre.

He said: “Passers-by have expressed their delight that the flower beds and planters have not been abandoned and shopkeepers have been bringing us cups of tea.

"We will have a good display to welcome visitors and to show the Britain in Bloom judges when they arrive on July 15.”

Bloom is raising its share of the cost from sponsorship of flower beds and roundabouts and is currently seeking a sponsor for the prime Edgar Street roundabout.

Anyone interested can call Kevin Knipe on 01432 870539.