USK has retained its Wales in Bloom Large Village crown for the 35th consecutive time thanks to the work of the community group Usk in Bloom.

The marks awarded were the village's highest for eight years and covered three main areas: horticultural achievement, environmental responsibility and community participation.

The victory is considered as the town 'bouncing back' after narrowly missing out on last summer's Britain in Bloom Champion of Champions section.

According to Usk in Bloom's chairman Tony Kear, more than 40 organisations were involved in putting together Usk's floral displays as well as Usk Church in Wales Primary, Usk Town Council and the Chamber of Commerce

Mr Kear reserved special praise for Shaun Evans-Paske of Untethered Limited who contributed to the sowing of 250 square metres of wild flowers.

He added: "Our team are absolutely delighted with the result and such highly complementary words from the judges which truly recognised the massive all round effort from the whole of the town in so many aspects of the judging criteria.

"There is no doubt the work of our volunteers helps the economy of Usk and we will be looking to build on that with the support of Monmouthshire County Council and their tourism team."

Around 130 volunteers from across Wales gathered for the annual award presentation held in Prestatyn.

Councillor Ann Davies, chairman of Denbighshire County Council, presented the gold standard award to Mr Kear as well as Usk in Bloom volunteers Marion Powell and Ally Williams.