COMMUNITIES in Gwent are celebrating after winning at the Wales in Bloom Awards.

Usk in Bloom won gold in the Class six - Large village section.

It is the 37th time the group has enjoyed trophy success in the category at the regional element of the national Britain in Bloom competition.

Tony Kear, Usk in Bloom chairman, said: “On behalf of all the volunteers and participants, I am absolutely delighted to be crowned winners.

“It has been a really challenging summer for everyone and this is such a tremendous achievement.”

South Wales Argus:

There was also a gold award for Mathern, Mounton and Pwllmeyric Villages in Bloom, in Monmouthshire, in the Class seven - Village category, and also in Class 18 - Public buildings, where the Gwent Crematorium in Croesyceiliog scooped the crown.

In the Class four - Towns category, Abergavenny in Bloom was awarded a silver gilt award.

There were winners in other areas too.

The Parkway Hotel & Spa in Cwmbran were awarded a Gold Award from Wales in Bloom for their hotel frontage and grounds.

South Wales Argus:

The It’s Your Neighbourhood section saw recognition for Newport Mind’s allotment, while schools saw success in the Class 15 - School garden category.

Usk Church in Wales Primary School won third in the class, while Raglan Primary School received a certificate of recognition for their efforts.

Kay Peacock, head gardener at Usk Church in Wales School said: “The children adore their garden, they look forward to Friday afternoons’ with the Gardening Gang tending to our flower beds, vegetable garden, woodland and chickens.

“They even stay on after school or come in on weekends as they love it so much. We entered Usk Show last week and came back with a first prize for our vegetables.”

In Class 14, city and town centre, Cyngor Dref Caerffili won silver.

Wales in Bloom and Britain in Bloom are supported by the Royal Horticultural Society.

This year’s Wales in Bloom awards ceremony was hosted by Colwyn Bay Town Council at Eirias Park.

See walesinbloom.org.uk for more infotmation.