This year's Wales in Bloom competition proved that both Usk and Raglan are 'blooming' marvellous after they scooped coveted prizes at this year's award ceremony. Moving for the first time into a new Wales In Bloom judging category of small rural town, Usk was up against tourist destinations and regular winners Tenby and Saundersfoot. In doing so they achieved a Silver gilt standard, the highest awarded in any category this year. Judge Jim Knight toured 22 sites around the town before being given a 15 minute presentation on Usk in Bloom's all-year-round activity and planning for the summer campaign. Mr Knight said: "The superb floral displays in Twyn Square give a spectacular start to any visit. "The sense of community involvement and pride in the appearance of this lovely town is most evident." Usk was awarded 1st place at Wales in Bloom for its consistent standards of horticultural excellence, widespread community involvement and care for the environment. Chairman of Usk in Bloom Tony Kear spoke on behalf of the volunteers involved. He said: "We are so delighted to have kept our winning run going, especially moving into the next category and competing against seasoned campaigners and regular winners such as Tenby Town Council. "Hosting the awards ceremony and the results being delayed unlike previous years was nerve racking. "I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in a busy year which has included the visit of HRH The Duchess of Cornwall and being featured on Good Morning Britain. "For Marion Powell to win the best overall front garden in Wales really topped it all off. We are so delighted for her." Jim Goodwin, chairman of Wales in Bloom, said: "Usk has been highly successful in meeting the criteria set by Wales in Bloom in the annual campaign. "Colourful displays abound throughout this country town. Conservation and heritage are also important aspects. "Businesses and local people all contribute to the overall success, with a number of superb gardens. "The local bloom group co-ordinate all these activities, and their enthusiasm is infectious and their dedication is clear for all to see. "Finally children from the primary school all contribute with many horticultural and conservation elements within the school partially maintained by them." Usk in Bloom now anxiously await the results of Britain in Bloom which will be announced on Thursday 16th October in Bristol. Raglan enjoyed a double celebration when they not only won the Large Village category of Wales in Bloom, but also Best Kept Village in the 1001-4999 residents category. Trevor Phillips, chairman of the Raglan in Bloom Committee said he was very pleased with the awards and very proud of all the volunteers that halped to keep Raglan on the map. He said: "The Best Kept Village judges said that Raglan must have worked all day and all night to have succeeded as they did." John Woods, judge of Wales in Bloom, said: "The Raglan entry was very strong in terms of involvement throughout the community. "It was good to see a new team of young people actively involved in putting the entry together. "The business support was excellent and I particularly liked the local history project linked to the headstones in the churchyard. This project is actively making the rich and varied history of past Raglan residents available to the village residents of today, and once again the schoolchildren are actively involved."

Pictured with chairman of Raglan in Bloom Trevor Phillips and his wife Marlene, who is secretary, are committee members Cath Brown, Lucy Bradley and Jennifer Taylor and Wales in Bloom judge John Woods.