There was some blooming marvellous news for South Pembrokeshire when the coveted Wales in Bloom awards were announced on Friday.

In the Small Country Town Trophy class, Tenby was first with a Silver Gilt, achieving 162 points, while a merit was awarded to Saundersfoot, who will get a silver with 140 points.

Tenby has now won the accolade for the 27th time, having bounced back after coming second to Chirk in last year's awards.

Chairman of Tenby in Bloom, Clr. Mrs. Sue Lane, was 'absolutely thrilled' to have won the category.

She thanked everyone involved, especially individuals who had entered the Bloom competitions, children, businesses and sponsors, who had supported them, including Colin Sharp for sponsoring all the Bloom's fundraising events, plus Tenby Town Council and Pembrokeshire County Council for their partnership.

"Without everyone's help, we would not have been successful," she said.

Meanwhile, in the hotels, guest and public houses and restaurants class, Tenby's Giltar Hotel was joint first with Miskin Manor, both scoring 78 points.

Hotel owners Malcolm Brace and Pat Jenkins were 'highly delighted' to win the section for the third year in succession.

"We are very pleased with the displays our gardener, Simon Rowlands, has created," said Malcolm. "The flowers are looking beautiful and we were very pleased to have the Britain in Bloom judges admiring them too."

In the caravans, camping and holiday homes section for sites under 100 units, Amroth Bay Holidays was second with 75 points, while for sites over 100 units, Lydstep Beach Holiday Village was also second with 78 points.

The awards ceremony will be held on September 14 in Rhyl.

TRIBUTE TO COUNTY COUNCIL TEAM

Pembrokeshire County Council's cabinet member for economy, tourism and communities, Clr. David Pugh, said he was delighted to hear of Tenby's success in the Wales in Bloom competition.

"I am particularly pleased for the county council's outdoor team who work so hard at keeping Tenby looking its best," he added.

"As well as maintaining the flower beds and public gardens and mowing the grass, they are also responsible for keeping the resort's beaches clean, emptying the litter bins three times a day and painting the street furniture.

"Put all this together and it makes Tenby a wonderful place to live and visit."