FARNHAM in Bloom is delighted to have been selected to represent the south and south east in the Large Town category of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Britain in Bloom UK Finals 2017.

This is the third time in four years that Farnham has made it through to the finals and is recognition of Farnham in Bloom’s commitment to environmental responsibility, high levels of community participation and outstanding gardening achievements.

The group will join 78 other Britain in Bloom finalists in competing to be crowned one of the cleanest, greenest and most beautiful places in the UK.

Stephen Hill, the town council’s lead member for community enhancement, said: “Farnham is often cited as one of the best places to live and through the efforts of the Farnham in Bloom team, we aim to make it even better.

“In 2016, we won the Silver Gilt Award so I am very excited at the prospect of again being in the Britain in Bloom finals. It will be great to see if we can take our achievement one step further this year. We’ve recently attended a Britain in Bloom seminar in Nottingham and now feel even better equipped to demonstrate how we meet the judging criteria.

“During the seminar, we learned that the theme for this year is wildlife gardening. This is a great choice and will provide many opportunities for even more people to get involved. Wildlife plays an important part in Farnham and it is something we are keen to encourage.”

The judging of Britain in Bloom will take place in August. The winners will be announced at the Britain in Bloom awards ceremony in Llandudno, North Wales on October 27.

A number of special awards that recognise excellence under a particular theme, such as protecting the local environment; getting young people involved in gardening; or overcoming adversity such as flooding or vandalism, will also be up for grabs.

Now in its 53rd year, Britain in Bloom has evolved into a UK-wide campaign that brings communities together while promoting the environment and health and wellbeing benefits of gardening.

Andrea Van Sittart, RHS head of community outreach, said: “Congratulations to Farnham in Bloom on reaching the UK Finals of this year’s RHS Britain in Bloom campaign.

“To represent their region on the UK stage is an incredible achievement and shows they are already at the top level of community gardening, going the extra mile to improve their local area and make it cleaner, greener and more beautiful for everyone.”

Ideas about how to get involved in Farnham in Bloom’s entry into Britain in Bloom are available at www.farnham.gov.uk/bloom.