Oakham in Bloom's fascinating history features in a five-page article in the summer issue of Evergreen magazine - thanks to the organisation's joint founder Joyce Lucas.

Evergreen, a quarterly publication that takes readers on a leisurely, often nostalgic journey, around Great Britain, encourages readers to submit articles to be considered for publication.

And Joyce is delighted her Oakham in Bloom article, along with photos taken by Richard Adams, was chosen for inclusion under the Home Town heading.

The feature charts the organisation's successes across the decades from its humble beginnings in 1993, when volunteers were invited 'to assemble at the red telephone box to plant spring bulbs'.

Joyce, who started Oakham in Bloom in collaboration with Richard Adams the then town clerk, told Oakham Nub News: " I am thrilled that the article has been published.

"Oakham in Bloom goes from strength-to-strength and tries to involve the younger generation.

"The Evergreen magazine will be given to the judges for the East Midlands In Bloom Competition on 4 July and, hopefully, will gain the group more points as publicity is important."

Joyce has already had several articles and poems published in This England, Evergreen's sister magazine. She is currently working on a project about a Rutland village church.

"I am very proud to have started many community projects including Oakham Knit and Natter group and, together with my husband Bob, The Bowmen of Rutland and Walking for Health.

"Most local residents will also know that I have a great passion for trees and instigated the refurbishment of the Catmose Arboretum some 15 years ago," adds Joyce.