Farnham Town Council is celebrating the news that Farnham in Bloom has again been nominated to take part in this year’s Britain in Bloom UK finals.

South East in Bloom nominated Farnham to the national finals of the competition following the regional stage of judging in 2015. Farnham is the only town in Surrey to be taking part and will be representing the south east.

This is the second time in three years that Farnham has been selected to take part in the Royal Horticultural Society’s competition, which aims to find the highest examples of environmental responsibility, community participation and horticultural achievement. The theme for this year’s Britain in Bloom is ‘greening up’ grey spaces and the focus will be on how gardens and green areas can support health and happiness.

Councillor Stephen Hill, Lead Member for Farnham in Bloom says: “We are thrilled that Farnham has been chosen to enter Britain in Bloom 2016 and are honoured to be able to show not only what we do but, more importantly, the contribution made by the wider community.

“Although I am sure that nobody would disagree that the flower containers and hanging baskets enhance the town centre and surrounding villages, Farnham in Bloom is about so much more than flowers. Over the past 26 years, one of the major benefits we have seen grow is pride of place. Through the efforts of volunteers, less desirable areas of land have been tidied up and enhanced by the planting of trees and spring bulbs. Wildlife havens have been created and a cross-section of the community has had the opportunity to learn new skills and be part of something positive. We have many ideas for this year’s entry and would like to see lots of people getting involved.”

Anybody who is interested in being part of this year’s entry is invited to an information event at Farnham Town Council on Thursday 25 February between 6.30pm and 7.30pm. To register, interested parties should emaillara.prior@farnham.gov.uk.

Other towns taking part in the Large Town category include Ryde, Congleton and Kendal. The Britain in Bloom judges will visit Farnham in August.