Knighton has won a prestigious award in the Wales in Bloom competition

Knighton has won a prestigious silver gilt award in the large village category in the Wales in Bloom awards.

Deputy Mayor Councillor Chris Branford told members of Knighton Town Council at a recent meeting that she had spent a lovely day in Talgarth at the awards event.

She said they enjoyed a tour of the mill, singing by Talgarth Male Voice Choir and a lovely lunch. She said the icing on the cake was Knighton winning a silver gilt award.

She thanked everyone who had helped with the town's entry for the competition.

Knighton's entry was judged by Jim Goodwin, who gave them a total score of 75 out of 100 points.

In his judge's comments he said: “This was the first time I had judged this entry. I was impressed by the fortitude of my hosts on a very hot day. I never realised Knighton was so hilly.

“A well organised tour outlining various areas of horticultural and environmental interest, with a localised community involvement. This was supported by an informative illustrated leaflet supporting all local initiatives. Congratulations on achieving a well-earned Silver Gilt award.”

The judges consider three main aspects of every entry – horticulture, environment and community.

Mr Goodwin said of Knighton's horticulture that colour and impact were obvious at various specific locations throughout the time. He said there was a good selection of plant subjects, mostly in a very good condition despite the drought conditions.

He said the Red Lion railway planters along the river, George St Cottages, and Men’s Sheds bus stop planters of special mention but that the war memorial planters were dry, and one of the stone planters had overhanging trees which needed attention.

He was impressed by the Community Orchard, where anyone could pick fruit and he said the planters in Ludlow Road did not meet other high standards, but considering the hot summer they should be commended for the general maintenance and passion in this element.

On the environment, Mr Goodwin said; “Very good pollinating in your Sensory and Wildlife Garden which was a delight. Your heritage was described well throughout the tour. Street furniture and signages of a high standard and no litter was seen. I liked the ‘Pick Me’ herb boxes throughout the town, popular with the public.

“Useful to have a river corridor through the town, which I am sure could be developed further environmentally. We also visited allotments which were well kept with good crops. I also noted good fruit trees and sustainable planting in various areas on the site. Overall a most satisfactory element but you may like to consider further sustainable planters in other areas of the town to supplement and compliment the use of annual material.”

For the community aspect, Mr Goodwin noted good community support for the floral campaign.

He said: “Keep on entering, you are clearly going in the right direction.”

Knighton Town Council thanks volunteer Sally, Councillors Holly Adams- Evans and Mark Coxill and volunteers David Williams and Andrew Craggs, Teme Valley Environment Group and Jane Bradford from Bradford’s of Knighton for the wonderful hanging basket displays for their help with the competition entry