JUDGES were full of praise as they toured Newport yesterday to survey the town's entry in this year's Britain in Bloom competition.

Judges Doug Stacey and Maurice Baren enjoyed a whistle-stop tour of the town's floral delights on an open-top bus.

Newport - automatically entered for Britain in Bloom's City Category following its victory in last year's Wales in Bloom competition - is facing stiff competition from Bath, Darlington, Newcastle-under- Lyme and Poole.

Yesterday judges were escorted around Newport by the council's leisure and environmental technical officer, John Woods.

The tour included displays in the town centre, Belle Vue Park, St Joseph's Hospital, Blackwater Close, Gaer Junior School, the South Wales Argus offices and Tredegar Park.

Judges spoke highly of the work by the town's young people - including projects by the pupils of Gaer Primary School and at the Argus offices by Maesglas Primary School pupils.

Mr Stacey, from Uppingham, in Rutland, is a former director of parks with Cardiff council. He said: "We have had a most enjoyable tour of Newport.

"The various projects we have seen have been very impressive and we like the way that the council, voluntary bodies and the community have pulled together and taken great pride in what they have done."

Mr Baren, from Bront country in Haworth, Yorkshire, added: "We have seen a tremendous range of horticulture which the local people can be very proud of."

Newport must wait until October 2 before finding out if it has been successful. But Mr Stacey said: "To have come this far, Newport has already achieved so much. "Everybody who reaches the final of Britain in Bloom is a real winner."

*Judging for the Bettws in Bloom competition - a residents' and council effort to improve the Newport estate's appearance with floral displays - takes place today.

*PICTURED: Judges Doug Stacey (left) and Maurice Baren (centre) take in the displays prepared by gardener Paul Hurley at St Joseph's Hospital