The Saundersfoot in Bloom committee has proudly announced that the seaside village has picked up a ‘Silver Gilt’ in the 2024 Britain In Bloom finals.

Despite being recognised in the Wales in Bloom competition down the years, this was Saundersfoot’s first ever entry into Britain in Bloom, and particularly special, as this year marked the 60th anniversary of the contest - where over six decades, millions of people have participated, enabling them to get to know their neighbours, make new friends and forge stronger community networks as part of the gardening competition.

RHS Judges Roger Burnett and Ian Beaney visited Saundersfoot back at the end of July where they were shown around the village.

Judges saw flowers, planters, and also chatted with volunteers who had been busy sprucing up the village for the summer, painting lamp posts, bollards, BT boxes with pictures depicting Tenby RNLI’s Haydn Miller lifeboat, and other features.

With the awards ceremony taking place at The Old Trafford stadium in Manchester on Monday (October 21) horticulturist, author, and television presenter Frances Tophill was on hand to hand out the accolades.

Saundersfoot was up against seven others in the 'Large Village' category - Cannington In Bloom; Cullybackey Community Partnership; Floral Forest, Floral Guernsey, Great Coates In Bloom, East Midlands in Bloom; Holywell In Bloom, Northumbria in Bloom; Lauder in Bloom, Beautiful Scotland; and Roberttown in Bloom, Yorkshire in Bloom.

Cullybackey Community Partnership in Ulster won overall.

“We were judged in the 'Large Village' category – one of only eight villages across the UK that were invited to the nationals and for our first ever entry into the competition we are thrilled,” said a spokesperson for Saundersfoot in Bloom.

“Britain in Bloom inspires community groups in towns, cities and villages to make positive changes to their local environment through horticultural, environmental and community action and Saundersfoot has definitely come together to do that this year.

“Congratulations go to everyone who’s been part of our journey to get here and a huge thank you for the support for this, and the Wales in Bloom competition.

“Let's see where 2025 takes us!” they added.

It tops off a blooming great year for Saundersfoot, who last month again received a ‘Gold Award’ at the Wales in Bloom contest.

Judges that visited the village over the summer praised Saundersfoot for its beautiful floral displays, backed with strong public art with colourful renderings on all the street furniture and heritage elements.