WALES in Bloom judge, Jim Knight, visited Chepstow recently where he was welcomed by town councillors, Marian Lewis and Ned Heywood, along with members from Transition Chepstow, Garden City Community group, and staff and students from The Bungalow Project.

Mr Knight, who has been a judge for the Wales in Bloom competition for 11 years, and the Royal Horticultural Society for six years, was escorted about the town to judge residents' gardens, green areas, and the hanging baskets provided by the town council that run along the high street.

13-year-old Sam Ward, of Chepstow, who has been working with the Bungalow Project, was invited along with organiser, Angela Jones, to the Chepstow Town Council Chamber, to present a talk to Mr Knight about the gardening work that has been undertaken by the project throughout the town. The Bungalow Project is an initiative run by Chepstow School to help students build confidence and gain life skills through organising an taking part in community activities Commenting on his tour of the town, Mr Knight said: "It is always a pleasure to come to Chepstow. Not just as a judge for the competition, but I always enjoy visiting the area as it is a traditional town and very rich in history."

Earlier in the day, Mr Knight also visited Abergavenny. The two Monmouthshire towns will now be marked on points along with participating towns across the whole of Wales.

All winners will be invited to the awards ceremony, which this year will be hosted by Chepstow Town Council at the Drill Hall on September 16.