WHAT a blooming success!

Touring is expected to blossom after the region achieved a double Wales in Bloom triumph.

Wrexham may not yet be a city but it landed the prestigious City Trophy, where judges follow a designated route around a city or large town.

And years of waiting paid off for Chirk, finally toppling Tenby and winning the Small Country Town Trophy.

Wrexham mayor and Chirk North councillor Ian Roberts said: “I am very pleased on both counts, it is all very positive news.

“A lot of work has been done and much praise is deserved by the people who made this possible.

“It all looks lovely and if this doesn’t help us regarding tourism then I don’t know what will, it is excellent news.”

Chirk South councillor Terry Evans was overjoyed with his town’s success in pipping perennial champions Tenby to the award by just one point.

He said: “Tenby have been winning this for so long and everybody is absolutely delighted to hear we have finally won.

“I would like to thank everybody who has put so much effort in to help make this possible.

“It’s absolutely massive for Chirk. I am sure it will be a great tourism boost and hope people will want to come and see how attractive a place it is.”

Chirk will receive the silver gilt award for its achievements in the category.

Both Wrexham and Chirk will be presented with their awards at a ceremony in Chepstow on September 16.

During their visit to Wrexham, judges called at several venues and gardens including Borras Infants School, Glyndwr University and the Victorian garden at Erlas.

Wrexham was eligible to enter the City Trophy category due to its population size.

Cllr David Bithell, deputy leader of Wrexham Council, said: “This is excellent news and is a fitting tribute to those who have worked hard to ensure that, once again, Wrexham is a pleasant and attractive place in which to live and visit.

“To gain first place during the National Eisteddfod year is also particularly rewarding as Wrexham was showcased to the whole of Wales and beyond.

“We are committed to making our environment one that is attractive and sustainable and I would like to thank everyone involved in ensuring that once again Wrexham is blooming.”

A spokeswoman for Wales in Bloom said each category attracted several entries from across Wales, with the categories based on population size.

She said: “It has been another successful year for Wales in Bloom and we congratulate all the award winners.”

l Judges are also currently visiting the area for the Britain in Bloom competition.
They were in Chirk on Friday and will be in Wrexham this week, the first time the town has entered the British competition.