ULVERSTON Business Improvement District have been named as finalists in the biggest gardening competition in the country.

The town’s BID was revealed as one of the 52 finalists of the 2024 Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Britain in Bloom Finals on Monday.

They will compete in summer to be the winner in one of 11 categories before hoping to be crowned RHS Britain in Bloom Overall Winner for a second time.

It comes after Ulverston BID won the Overall Award in 2022 through the hard work and dedication of the team, community, local businesses and volunteers who worked year-round to keep the town looking beautiful.

Michelle Scrogham, Chair of Ulverston BID said: “Visitors to Ulverston always comment on the displays and what a wonderful place it is, many returning each year which is great for our economy. I’m really looking forward to seeing what the team can achieve this year.”

Judges will assess groups in the 60th anniversary of the competition according to criteria that evaluate their commitment to improving the local environment, community engagement and horticultural excellence.

Justin Tootill-Wales, BID Manager and Project Officer, said: “We are thrilled that the town has been chosen again in the BID category to represent and showcase Ulverston and Cumbria.

“We have some great plans ahead for this year and with the collaborative working with other groups in the town, we hope to make it another success as we did in 2022.”

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in autumn.

Kay Clark, RHS Community Development Manager, said: “As part of this year’s anniversary celebrations, the RHS will be sharing ‘friendship flower seeds’ to all of the Britain in Bloom groups to celebrate the enduring friendships made through caring for plants as a community and a love of gardening.

“Over two million flowers, including sweet peas, cosmos, nigella, gpysophila, rudbeckias and zinnias will be sown and planted by Bloom groups to create spectacular displays of cut flowers for everyone to enjoy."

If you are inspired to get involved in community gardening in your local area, find out more at: www.rhs.org.uk/community