THE countdown is on for this year's Newport in Bloom competition, with three weeks to get your entry forms in.

The town has a host of new displays and events scheduled for this summer, which promises to be the biggest and brightest ever.

And it will have to go some distance to keep up with last year's remarkable displays, which saw Newport clinch the Wales in Bloom crown for the fourth time in six years. Organisers have been busy setting up a series of displays and events around the town, and there will be a few surprises in store for Newport residents.

The roundabout near the Newport Centre is sure to be attracting the attention of passers-by when its display is completed.

Organisers have promised an intriguing sculpture, details of which are being carefully kept under wraps - all will be revealed later in the month.

And once again the town's primary schools will be adding their weight to the competition, with Malpas Church in Wales and Maesglas Primary among the schools busily beavering away to brighten up the town. Newport council's horticulture technical officer, John Woods, said: "We are pleased to see so many groups in the community keen to take part in this year's competition and improve the environment of their town. "We hope everyone will lend their support to the Wales in Bloom and Britain in Bloom entrants this year."

Other displays on show will include new and improved hanging baskets running from the Old Rising Sun pub towards town, which, for the first time, will be using a self-watering system to ensure an improved display.

And it will be a key summer for the Bettws in Bloom competitors, who will be carrying the hopes of the nation as they represent the country in the Britain in Bloom competition. Bettws entry forms are now available from the usual outlets.

All entry forms for the Newport competition must be in by Friday, June 23.

* FOR top tips from Newport county borough council's successful gardening team, make sure you see Saturday's Argus for their regular gardening column.