SIDMOUTH in Bloom leaders have called on residents’ community spirit to help defy vandals and scoop national floral glory.

Planters put together by schoolchildren at the Ham have been destroyed and window boxes in Russell Street have been trashed – just days before the town’s Britain in Bloom judging day.

“Thousands of pounds and hundreds of man hours goes into these displays.

“We want people to be more vigilant and report these things,” said Sidmouth in Bloom chairman Lynette Talbot.

She has asked for townsfolk to pick up any litter they see and said fly-posters “will not be tolerated”.

A second Spruce up Sidmouth tidy-up has been organised for tomorrow and Sunday and volunteers can meet at the post box in Dove Lane at 10am on both days.

“Sidmouth pride is very important. The town has got civic pride because it is proud of everything that it has got,” said Lynette.

The next Secluded Gardens event in aid of Sidmouth in Bloom opens on Tuesday and Wednesday (August 7 and 8) at both Runnymede, 2 Orchard Close, and ‘Lavender Rise, 4 Deans Mead, from 2pm to 5pm. Entry is �2.50.

Number 17 All Saints Road is open on Tuesday only from 2pm to 6pm. Entry is 50pence. Children enter for free. All proceeds go to Sidmouth in Bloom.