WALES’ First Minister visited Usk today to back the town’s bid to be crowned the best kept town in the UK.

Carwyn Jones was given a tour of the town, starting from Twyn Square, planted an apple tree to mark his visit and was shown its Sessions House.

The town’s Usk in Bloom’s group has won Wales in Bloom for 33 consecutive years since it was formed in 1981. Last summer it was visited by the Duchess of Cornwall who congratulated it on its long-standing success in the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) Britain in Bloom competition.

On August 5 judges will mark its entry to the RHS Britain in Bloom Champion of Champions competition. Usk will compete against Bath, Truro, Norton in Hales, Market Bosworth and Filby for the accolade. Last year the competition was won by Shrewsbury.

Usk in Bloom’s chairman Tony Kear said: “We are absolutely delighted and thank the First Minister for taking time out of his busy diary and to see and hear of the incredible work our volunteers undertake each year to visibility boost the appearance of Usk and also the economic vibrancy. “

Mr Jones added: “I was pleased to be able to visit today and meet some of the Usk in Bloom volunteers who are playing such an important role in putting together a series of activities attracting visitors and boosting local businesses in Usk.

"They are already award winners in Wales and I wish them all the best with their forthcoming RHS Britain in Bloom Champions of Champions entry.”