A VILLAGE is hoping it can take home gold after it enrolled a sports star to launch its bid to win Test Valley in Bloom.

Team GB duathlon champion and ladies world title holder Samantha Aplin came to Valley Park to see the town decked out in red, white and blue.

As well as the bunting 300 hanging baskets were also out along with a dozen large rectangular floral containers and wild flowers in various locations within the village.

Over the years Valley Park has won numerous environmental awards and has been a gold certificate winner for the last three years in the Test Valley in Bloom Competition.

Leader of the parish council, Alan Downde said he hoped the village can win again.

“Hopes are high. I would be staggered if we didn’t. We have won a gold award every year. Ours is as good as, if not, better than ever.
The flower baskets were purchased from Choice Plants by Valley Park Parish Council.

It also gained the accolade from a national newspaper that it was the best place to live in Engand and Wales for families.

A former St Francis and Knightwood school pupil, Samantha recently won the world Duathlon title in Spain.