UPTON in Bloom's preparations for a busy summer began in earnest this week with preparation containers for planting, replacement of troughs and boats and readying of the new van to water displays.

A training session with the new van, nicknamed Florrie, was a success, with several volunteers joining committee members.

Help is also are welcome at a meeting to plant displays at the riverfront at 10am on Saturday, June 2. Hanging baskets are due to go up the previous week.

Judging for the Heart of England in Bloom competition is in mid-July, with Britain in Bloom following between the end of July and August 10.

Anyone who would like to sponsor a display can call Sylvia Dawson on 01684 593904 or e-mail info@uptoninbloom.co.uk Upton in Bloom's coffers received a dramatic boost with a donation of £500 from the Pepperpot Players.

Upton's popular amateur theatre troupe raised the money during a special musical revue, Pepperpots in Bloom, held at the Memorial Hall last month.

Kendra Yates presented a cheque to Upton in Bloom's Peter and Diane Bellamy during rehearsals on Sunday.

The Pepperpot Players' production of The Darling Buds of May opened this week, and runs until tomorrow (Saturday) evening. Tickets cost £7.50 from PS Presents, in Old Street.