TOWN centre businesses are displaying extravagant floral decorations as traders team up with the Spring Gardening Show and Royal Horticultural Society for the Blooming Hills competition.

The first event last year was a huge success, drawing in crowds of locals and visitors alike, many of whom had seen it featured on BBC Gardeners World.

Anna Brook of Great Malvern Association of Traders said: "Last year everyone worked really hard to turn Great Malvern into a floral wonderland, and it worked. The crowds came flooding in and the whole town was buzzing with interest.

"It’s getting quite competitive and I think some of last year's winners are planning to keep their titles."

The traders have every reason to be competitive, as the first prize this year, donated by Lee Harrison of Select World Travel, is a five-star holiday for two to the Azores.

Last year's winners included Riding High Gallery, who created a 3D sculpture of Elgar’s delivery boy on his bike, Air Hairdressers, whose wild-haired lady had everyone smiling, and Iapetus Gallery, who turned their window into Van Gogh’s studio, complete with sunflowers painting.

This year, GMAT has issued a trail map, available from traders and the tourist information centre, showing the participating traders.