Kingsbridge In Bloom have been announced as the National Finalists in the 2018 Britain in Bloom competition.

The Royal Horticultural Society released the finalists for this years and Kingsbridge has been chosen as the representative town for the South West region.

This dedicated team of volunteers at Kingsbridge In Bloom, now in it’s eleventh year, have played a major part in transforming the small medieval market town on the south coast of Devon into a thriving and attractive place for the community and many visitors to enjoy.

Graham Price, chairman of Kingsbridge in Bloom, said: “We are delighted to have been chosen to represent the South West Region in the Finals.

“The whole community are involved here in Kingsbridge from pre-school children to retirees, as well as many businesses and local authorities who come together to help to keep the town looking stunning throughout the year.

“As well as the main displays throughout the town, there are fourteen ’It’s Your Neighbourhood’ areas where residents take responsibility for their own locality and are judged on a different day to the main judging.

“This year will be a real challenge for the team as we will be judged in July and August for both the RHS South West regionals and the Nationals respectively.

“Having taken taken responsibility for planting the vast majority of public open spaces this year, our task is enormous but we are determined to do our bit for Kingsbridge.and the surrounding area.”

The Britain in Bloom competition is not just about formal beds and pretty flowers. It is judged against horticultural achievement with appropriate planting regimes, community involvement and environmental responsibility as well as that all important feel good factor.

The team, which is responsible for raising it’s own funding, have not only regenerated many heritage sites, it has advanced plans for a number of attractive displays for this year.

The main one will be located on the town square to celebrate the centenary of the end of the First World War in 1918.

In this very special year the team will be out working, brightly clad in blue sweatshirts, looking to win that prestigious RHS National Gold Medal to bring back to the West Country and Kingsbridge.

You can find out more about Kingsbridge In Bloom on their website: www.kingsbridgeinbloom.co.uk