BRITAIN in Bloom judges will turn their critical gaze on Newport when they arrive on Wednesday.

Their visit comes just days after the city discovered it had won the Wales in Bloom competition - for the 11th time.

Winning the UK title will be even tougher but just being short-listed is a great honour.

It is up against three other places in the city category of Britain in Bloom, the London borough of Islington, Plymouth and Stockton-on-Tees.

Invitations to enter the national contest in recent years were turned down because of the on-going redevelopment work in the city centre.

But in a previous Britain in Bloom competition, Newport received a prestigious silver award.

Like the Wales in Bloom adjudicators, the judges will look not just at the glorious floral displays created by city council staff, but also beautiful gardens created by residents and businesses.

Community involvement by schools and other groups and environmental issues, such as litter, also play a part.

It was the fourth year in success that Newport has won Wales in Bloom.

Usk is also one of the finalists in the Britain in Bloom competition and the judges were able to see the pretty village at its best last week.

It is hoping for victory in the large village category.