IT was a rare moment of unity in a long and thorny Newport council meeting.

There has not been much time to stop and smell the roses since the Conservative/Liberal Democrat coalition took control after 30 years of Labour rule.

But at their latest meeting there was a brief blossoming of harmony when two political opponents jointly received an award given to the city.

Newport was victorious again in the Wales in Bloom awards this year, achieving its best ever triumph.

Mayor Cllr Noel Trigg was presented with the award at a ceremony earlier in the Autumn and congratulated all the staff and citizens who had contributed.

He called on Cllr David Fouweather, now cabinet member for the environment, to accept it on behalf of the council.

Cllr Fouweather said he was extremely proud that Newport had once again won the city category, securing their best-ever score of 173 points out of 200 and the RHS gold medal for the first time.

He added it was in recognition of the continuing close work with all their partners including schools, businesses and community groups.

And then he also paid tribute to the hard work of his predecessor, Cllr Ray Truman, requesting that they should jointly receive the award.

Cllr Truman thanked Cllr Fouweather for the gesture saying they should put politics aside and talk about this fantastic achievement for the whole of Newport.