NEWPORT has proved itself an undisputed, heavyweight floral champion after celebrating its fifth consecutive win of Wales in Bloom.

It is the seventh time the city has won the prestigious award, and this year beat off Cardiff, who came second, and Swansea, who took the third.

Judge Clive Addison awarded Newport a whopping164 points out of a total 200.

He said: "It was a pleasure to visit Newport and see the involvement of both the council and all parts of the community in making their city a more beautiful place.

"The city centre in particular was not only spotlessly clean, but also the floral displays were lovely.

"The involvement of the schools in encouraging the future generations to respect their environment is to be applauded.

"Also, the commercial and business sectors are to be thanked for their substantial contribution."

Councillor Graham Dally, cabinet member for transport and sustainable development, said: "It's excellent news again!

"A lot of hard work has been put in by a lot of different people in the council and in the community to win this award.

"The flowers this year are marvellous and are still standing up to the weather.

"Newport should be renamed 'Floral Capital of Wales'.

"But it's not just about flowers in the city centre. It shows the total involvement of the community in bringing this award back to Newport." Councillor Dally said the Newport in Bloom team would study the judges' comments and work on improvements for next year.

He added: "We want to keep standards up.

"The technicians will soon start planning seed buying for next year.

"This year we tried to move some features out of the city centre and make them gateway features at the edge of Newport. It's been a success.

"Now we are waiting on the result for Britain in Bloom. Hopefully we will do better than last year's bronze award."

John Webb, head teacher of Gaer Junior School, said: "Judges visited the junior and infants schools to see our wildlife areas.

"I am delighted for the school but, as a Newport boy myself, I am delighted for the city. This is such positive news.

"A lot of hard work has gone into the schools' wildlife areas and we are very proud of them.

"It's cost us a lot of money to maintain, but it provides an outside classroom and is a uonderful outlet for the children."