Madam, Ross-in-Bloom has just used their grant money received from Herefordshire Council (via Herefordshire in bloom and Herefordshire Amey) to purchase 50 flags and flagpoles for traders in the town to erect for the Royal Wedding this year and the Diamond Jubilee and Olympics next.

We would have loved to been able to purchase a flag for every building in the town centre but finances would not allow us to do so.

We would like to see the town full of colour from hanging baskets as well as flags and bunting for the next two years, as there are lots of special events to celebrate. This year is also the 90th anniversary of the Royal British Legion and these flags would show support for all the good work the Ross Branch do for ex-servicemen and servicewomen in the town and surrounding area.

We are offering to provide flags and/or bunting in the town's colours of red, white, blue, orange and yellow to any business that would like it for a reasonable cost. We also have Union Flags and St Georges Flags available as bunting. We can bulk buy which will keep the costs down if we can get everyone who wants to join in to order through us before the end of March. The flags can then be delivered to go up in time for the Royal Wedding celebrations at the end of April.

Order forms are available from me at Lucas Motorcycles in Brookend Street, or Richard Mayo at Truffles in the High Street. Orders must be received with payment up front to enable us to pay with the order.

If you haven't got a flagpole or flagpole holder I am also able to supply details on where they can be obtained and the cost.

If you have already received a flag but are no longer able to put it up before Easter, could you please let me know so Mary can collect it to distribute to someone else.

Margaret Lucas, Chairman, Ross-in-Bloom