Last night, Tenby scooped a Silver Gilt award in the Coastal up to 12k category at the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Britain in Bloom UK Finals Awards Ceremony in Birmingham.

The event was hosted by TV Gardening Expert Chris Beardshaw.

Tenby, which represented Wales, was one of only seven areas from across the UK chosen to compete in the Coastal up to 12k category of the awards.

Tenby’s medal, the second highest available, confirms its position as one of the greenest and most beautiful small coastal towns in Britain.

Speaking about the award, chairman of Tenby in Bloom and the resort’s Deputy Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Sue Lane, said: “Participating in Britain in Bloom has been a fantastic experience as it enables the people of Tenby to show to the world how proud we are of our town.

“The whole town has worked tirelessly in partnership with the town and county councils to offset public sector cuts and ensure that Tenby continues to look its very best this year. I am as proud of them all as I am at being able to advertise Tenby as Britain in Bloom finalists.”

The RHS Britain in Bloom Awards ceremony celebrates the huge contribution made by the 300,000 Bloom volunteers whose hard work and dedication help transform what are often grey and unloved areas into greener, cleaner and more beautiful spaces for everyone to enjoy.

Over the summer, teams of RHS judges travelled the length and breadth of the country to see the 72 finalists’ Bloom campaigns to determine who would lift the top prizes. Each finalist was assessed against three key criteria: community participation, environmental responsibility and of course, horticultural achievement.

Chairman of the UK Judging Panel, Roger Burnett said: “This has been a truly outstanding year for Britain in Bloom with local communities devoting tremendous amounts of time and effort into greening grey areas and sharing the many health and social benefits of horticulture.

“The judges were very impressed by the way communities refused to let the many challenges they faced hold them back. The finalists’ desire and determination to make their environment as green and pleasant as possible was truly humbling.

“We as judges are privileged to have a front row seat to see Britain in Bloom volunteers change the lives of thousands through their work. And it’s fitting that their efforts are recognised and celebrated.”

The 72 Britain in Bloom finalists were vying for Gold, Silver Gilt, Silver or Bronze medals, category winner awards and discretionary awards for achieving excellence in particular fields.

For the first time the RHS introduced a special award to recognise areas that have overcome adversity, such as flooding or vandalism.

Ahoghill in Ulster secured the ultimate community gardening prize when it was named the 2016 RHS Britain in Bloom Champion of Champions. The award means that Ahoghill is arguably the cleanest, greenest and most beautiful place in the United Kingdom.