NEWPORT is one of 61 finalists in the 2002 Britain in Bloom competition. The town is up against Carlisle, Chester, Doncaster and Oxford in the city (population between 70,001 and 150,000) category which also covers large towns.

Newport was also a finalist in 1996, 1997, 2000 and 2001. The finalists were announced at the Royal Horticultural Society's launch of its first-year plans for what is the largest horticultural competition in Europe.

The RHS has just taken over the organisation of the long-established Britain in Bloom campaign from EnCams, following a year-long hand-over.

Although the overall structure of the competition remains the same, the RHS is replacing the first, second and third place awards with a medal standards system - gold, silver gilt, silver and bronze - to recognise the standards achieved by all finalists, not just outright winners.

Introducing the new medal standards system, Bob Sweet, chairman of the RHS Britain in Bloom judges, said: "Finalists will continue to be assessed against what we call the 'four pillars' of the Bloom - horticultural excellence, community involvement, environmental friendliness, and sustainability.

"The changes we are making, following detailed consultation with participants, are designed to encourage more entries of even higher quality. The medal standards will provide a benchmark of achievement on which finalists can build year on year.

"The new coastal category will facilitate entries from resorts where Bloom projects often have to compete with other kinds of tourist attractions for investment."

Andrew Colquhoun, director general of the RHS, said: "Britain in Bloom already inspires millions of people to take an active interest in their local horticultural scene and we plan to continue to build the profile of the campaign as a major force in preserving, improving and regenerating local environments across the UK."

The UK judging tour takes place between August 5 and 16 and the 'Oscars' will be presented at an awards ceremony in Aberdeen on September 25.