Flower power in Ahoghill as Bloom judges pay visit

Despite the winners not being announced until September, the small village could be proud of their efforts - whatever the result.

Ahoghill is one of only six small towns from the across the UK which has reached the final of the 'Small Town' category in the Royal Horticultural Society’s Britain in Bloom competition - one of the largest horticultural campaigns in Europe.

James Perry, member of the Ahoghill Britain in Bloom committee, told the Times that Judges had been impressed with Ahoghill's hospitality.

He said: “We are very pleased with how it all went, the Judges arrived at half nine and were there for the entire morning. The judges were very impressed with the welcome they received.

“They met some very nice people and thankfully the weather was good.

“Everything came together nicely on the day and all the hard work from everybody paid off. We are very pleased with getting to the final, which is an achievement in itself.”

The village is the only representative from Northern Ireland in this category and faces stiff competition from 66 towns in the UK.

The winner is announced next month with a ceremony taking place in Birmingham on September 29.