THE community of Mathern near Chepstow in Monmouthshire has been selected from more than 600 entrants to take part in the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Britain in Bloom UK Finals 2016.

Mathern is one of 72 finalists from towns, villages and cities across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Jersey and Guernsey. The group was selected to be entered in the Village category for its outstanding commitment to environmental responsibility, community participation and gardening achievement. Other finalists from Wales are Colwyn Bay, Gogarth (Llandudno) and Tenby.

In August this year, Mathern’s passionate volunteers will be showing off their commitment to a greener, healthier Britain. They will lead RHS Britain in Bloom judges on a tour of local projects and initiatives in the hope of bringing home Gold at the annual award ceremony in October.

Mathern in Bloom chairman Greg Howell, said: “After more than a decade of successes in Wales in Bloom, missing Gold by just a few points in 2015, we are delighted to have been named as finalists for the national competition. We are one of only four Welsh communities to make it through to the finals and we have strong competition from Bellingham in Northumberland, Castlecaulfield in Ulster, Elswick in Lancashire, Fordham in Essex and Middleton by Wirksworth in Derbyshire.”

Andrea Van Sittart, RHS Head of Community Outreach, said: “We would like to congratulate Mathern with Pwllmeyric and Mounton for reaching the UK finals of RHS Britain in Bloom. It’s a tremendous achievement and illustrates the group’s impressive commitment to improving their local environment.

Volunteers of all ages and all walks of life participate in Britain in Bloom, making extraordinary efforts to improve streets and neighbourhoods in towns, villages and cities across the country. It is vital we celebrate and recognise their efforts to strengthen their communities and inspire others to get involved.”

Britain in Bloom groups are assessed on a wide range of initiatives, such as the maintenance of parks and communal gardens, the management of natural spaces, community campaigns to promote recycling and environmental awareness, and projects involving local residents and schools.

In recognition of challenges some RHS Britain in Bloom 2016 UK finalists face as a result of the recent floods, the RHS has created a new award to honour those who have battled against adversity. The RHS discretionary award for overcoming adversity will recognise those groups that have worked in difficult circumstances to put the bloom back into their communities.