A JUDGE of the Heart of England in Bloom competition said her “spirits were lifted” after visiting a garden at Leominster’s Norfolk House.

The house – which provides enhanced sheltered housing – enters the competition every year, and this year boasted new raised flower beds, bought through a community chest grant.

Norfolk House manager Jill Williams said: “The raised beds enable more tenants’ involvement and participation in maintaining and enjoying the gardens.

“All staff, family, friends and management support with raising funds for plants, flowers, shrubs and ornamental decorations and all participate with planting and weeding.”

The garden is located centrally within a sheltered private area of the building and overlooked by everyone that lives at Norfolk House.

Jill added that although the residents are quite low at the moment, because of the uncertainty of the future, the garden is testament to the rich community spirit and support network of the home.

Judge Angela Pendleton told tenants that the garden this year was “just amazing”.

“My spirit feels as if it was lifted. It’s lovely to see you all here today and you should be very proud of the efforts – the community effort of Norfolk House – and that in my book is just the tops.”

The winners of the competition – which covers Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and Staffordshire – will be announced in September.