VOLUNTEERS in Usk are celebrating the village's 32nd consecutive win in their category of Wales in Bloom.

Fighting off competition in the large village category, Usk was awarded a silver guilt award, one below the gold it received last year.

"This is a remarkable achievement for the volunteers," said Usk in Bloom chairman Tony Kear.

"This year 28 people have been involved through all phases, including planning and planting, which started in April.

"The plants have required continuous watering. Keeping them healthy has been quite a challenge because of the extremes in weather we have had this year, from a very cold spring to a hot summer and a lot of rain in one go."

The Usk in Bloom team surprised judges on their arrival at the Session's House, Usk, by teaming up with a local amateur dramatics team and arresting the judges before putting them on trial in the old court room.

Judges were arrested charged with being found looking around in people's gardens, and after judging were found not guilty by a jury and were released to go on to judge other villages.

The results of Britain in Bloom will be announced in October.

Speaking of the village's consistent success, Mr Kear said: "We are very proud that the work we do has a huge benefit to the people of Usk and it is widely acknowledged that the displays bring tourism to the village".

"We kow that visitors are attracted by the flowers as well as the open garden scheme and the local pubs, hotels and shops benefit from the extra trade."