JUDGES visited Usk as part of the Britain in Bloom competition yesterday, after nine months’ hard work by volunteers.

Nigel Bishop and Jim Goodwin were shown around 21 sites by Usk In Bloom chairman, Tony Kear.

He said a team of volunteers were working on displays from 5.30am for a 10am start and the group has already received “amazing” feedback.

Mr Kear said: “The rain blew off and it was a brilliant day in the end. The judges thoroughly enjoyed themselves and stayed a bit longer than originally planned. It was the first time Nigel Bishop has been here. He thoroughly enjoyed himself and said he definitely would be coming back.

“It was hard work, nine months’ planning to get to this point, and we threw everything we had at it. If someone else has won, they must have done a heck of a lot of work.”

Last month the town was visited by the Duchess of Cornwall in recognition of the town’s success in the competition, which dates back more than 30 years since the group was founded in 1981.