USK is the best blooming large village in Wales - and that’s official for the 36th year in a row.

The triumph came in the Annual Wales in Bloom awards hosted by Burry Port.

Chair of Wales in Bloom, Jim Goodwin, commented, ‘Usk continues to go from strength to strength and is to be applauded on the very high standards in all areas, which should help in the bid for the Britain in Bloom competition, the results of which will be announced in Llandudno in October.

‘The floral displays were quite superb; it was good to see the introduction of more sustainable planting. Most residents, and many businesses are on-board with the campaign.

‘Residential gardens were of the usual very high standard and the main square and its surrounds were quite superb this year.

‘It was good to hear about the Bee Friendly initiative, and to visit the new Girl Guides Garden and the Greening Great Britain Initiative’.

Usk Church in Wales School were runners up in the Schools Category gaining gold standard and Manor Court were 3rd with a silver gilt in a new category of Health and Social Care. Marion Powell was runner up in the best front garden category.

Chairman Tony Kear received the Norman Stewart Memorial Cup at the 50th Anniversary dinner held the previous evening.

Mr Kear stated, ‘I’m delighted to have received this award which without doubt is truly on behalf of everyone involved in Usk in Bloom.

‘Without the help of the volunteers, the support of Usk Businesses and the MCC teams none of this would have been possible’.