SUCCESS has come once again to Abergavenny, Usk and Raglan who have all been awarded a trophy at the prestigious Wales In Bloom competition.

In the Large Village category, Usk came first in the group for the 27th consecutive year, winning the Gold award for the first time after receiving 173 points out of 200.

Abergavenny was award merit in the Small Town category with Raglan coming second in the Village category.

Brimming with pride, Usk in Bloom chairman, David Gale said, "This is a fantastic achievement. The judge was particularly pleased with Twyn Square and Bridge Street.

"Winning for the last 27 years is down to the sense of well being and community spirit in Usk. We are really happy with with winning Wales in Bloom."

So their secret for being on top for 27 years? "It's just luck." laughs Mr Gale.

Wales in Bloom Secretary, Donna Jones said of Usk, "Achieving the Gold Award this year shows that no matter how long any entry goes into Wales in Bloom you can always do better and achieve more for your local area. 

"This year there has been only three gold medals achieved so Usk should be extremely pleased and are a beacon for the Wales in Bloom Competition."

Disappointed with the lack of support by the larger stores in Abergavenny, In Bloom chairman, Mary Ann O'Higgins said, "I am disappointed we couldn't do better because of the lack of support but I would like to thank the town council and Grow Fast Nurseries for their assistance but disappointed that the lack of support from the larger stores in the town.

In the commercial and Retail Enterprise category merit was awarded to both CJ Accountancy of Brynmawr and Williams Estates, Raglan Ford while Crickhowell and District allotment came second place in their category.

The annual In Bloom competition involves all residential and business premises through out each of the towns, with all the work carried out entirely by dedicated green-fingered volunteers in partnership with many other organisations in the area.