MELKSHAM’S entry for this year’s South West in Bloom competition has received a £1,000 boost from national retirement living developer McCarthy & Stone.

The company, which is building the Meadowsweet Place development in Spa Road, handed over a cheque to support the town’s participation.

Louise Daly, marketing executive from McCarthy and Stone’s Meadowsweet Place, joined Linda De Santiz, vice-chairman for South West in Bloom Melksham, and Annie Benham-Taylor, tree warden, for the presentation.

Linda De Santiz said: “This donation comes at a very welcome time to help us on our way to making our town even more beautiful.”

Louise Daly said: “We are delighted to be able to support such a worthy local cause.”

The theme of this year’s South West in Bloom Melksham is the 100th anniversary of the Royal Air Force, with the town’s war memorial providing the focal point for the floral display.