Gardeners across Wolverhampton are being urged once again to “dig for victory” at the launch of this year’s annual Heart of England in Bloom awards.

The city scooped top prize in the competition for the first time last year, thanks to the hard work of hundreds of residents, schoolchildren, businesses and organisations who supported Wolverhampton’s entry, entitled Floral City.

Barbara Kay, who is organising the campaign, said: “Last year we laid down a marker and our challenge this time is to not only retain our gold award but impress the judging panel further still.”

Many organisations have already pledged their support for the 2009 campaign, including the Bantock in Bloom committee, which hosted yesterday’s launch at Bantock Park.

For more information log on to www.wolverhamp ton.gov.uk/floralcity or call 01902 556110.