It has been a busy period of floral activity in Tenby during the past week, with judging for both the Wales in Bloom competition and the town's own Bloom event taking place.

And not only has the resort been praised for the magnificence of its colourful floral displays, but also for its continuing support for the national event, which at one time had looked under threat.

The annual competition was originally set up over 40 years ago to encourage towns, cities, villages and businesses to brighten up their environment, but a funding crisis had put its future in doubt.

The financial concerns have led the organisers to agree to charges for competitors to take part in the event which was established in 1969.

Speaking on a visit to Tenby on Tuesday, Wales in Bloom judge Jim Knight said that the organisation was delighted by the level of support received from all entrants across the country.

"We're extremely grateful for the support that places like Tenby give to the competition and we're hopeful that the event will continue next year," he said.

The criteria for assessment for the competition falls into three categories - horticultural achievement, environmental responsibility, and community participation.

"Community involvement is extremely important to this event; gone are the old days when it was just simply the councils that funded and did everything," explained Mr. Knight.

"The criteria isn't just for the floral side of things either, the environmental aspect is a core pillar of what judges look at too

"Seeing what has been achieved here in Tenby in getting the community involved and the likes of local schools and the Youth Club in various floral and environmental projects is very encouraging and excellent to see," he added.

Tenby in Bloom chairman, Clr. Mrs. Lane, who saw the town pick up the best 'small country town' crown for the 26th time in the Wales in Bloom event last year, said that she hoped that sponsors could be found to secure the future of the event.

• Meanwhile, judging for Tenby's own 'In Bloom' competition continued throughout the week and a full report and list of results, together with the results of a schools poster competition run in conjunction with the event, can be found on page 10 of the Tenby Observer.