Cannington, Glastonbury and Yeovil in Bloom groups in Somerset have become finalists of the national Britain in Bloom gardening competition.

Established by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), the Britain in Bloom initiative celebrates the best of community gardening.

Yeovil in Bloom is a finalist of the Large Town category, after winning gold in the St Bridget Cup at the South West in Bloom Awards 2023.

Glastonbury in Bloom is a finalist of the Town category, following their success at winning gold in the Preece Cup in last year's regional awards.

Cannington in Bloom is a finalist of the Large Village category, following their win of the Cox Cup in the 2023 regional awards.

See who else in Somerset won at the South West in Bloom Awards 2023 here: www.somerset.gov.uk/news/somerset-shines-at-the-south-west-in-bloom-awards

Yeovil in Bloom is delivered in partnership with Somerset Council and Yeovil Town Council, who also fully fund the scheme.

Manny Roper, Chair of Yeovil in Bloom, said: "After another very successful year for Yeovil in the South West in Bloom Awards, winning gold and receiving the salver for Best Portfolio, it is an honour to be selected to represent our region at the 2024 Britain in Bloom finals!

"This is all down to the dedicated team who work tirelessly during the year to make sure Yeovil looks its blooming best."

Sarah Marks, Committee Clerk for Glastonbury in Bloom, said: "The Glastonbury in Bloom committee are delighted to be nominated to represent the South West in this year's RHS Britain in Bloom competition.

"We have a very exciting year ahead (along with a lot of hard work!). Our colour scheme will reflect the Town Council's crest – blues, golds, yellows, whites, silvers – to commemorate 50 years of the Town Council's existence.

"Our Britain in Bloom entry will be in memory of the late Alan Gloak MBE who started 'Glastonbury in Bloom' and who sadly passed away in December 2023.

"The committee would like to thank all our Town Council staff and volunteers for their help and hard work - without them this nomination would not have been possible!

"May Glastonbury (and its award-winning floral displays) flourish!"

Steve Pettitt, Chair of Cannington in Bloom, said: "We are delighted to have been invited to compete in this year's Britain in Bloom competition.

"Cannington are proud gold medal winners in the regional scheme and are honoured to receive recognition for all our Bloomers' hard work and dedication.

"Cannington in Bloom not only helps make our village beautiful, but brings our community together, with shared ambitions for creating a more sustainable, supportive and caring place to live and work."

Britain in Bloom judges will visit each of the finalists this summer with the winners of each category announced at an awards ceremony in the autumn.

See all 2024 RHS Britain in Bloom finalists here: www.rhs.org.uk/get-involved/britain-in-bloom/britain-in-bloom-finalists.