THREE DORSET towns have been named as finalists in the 2018 Britain in Bloom competition.

Bournemouth, Wareham and Wimborne have been revealed as finalists for the South and South East.

Bournemouth is shortlisted in the Coastal over 12k category, Wimborne is in the Town category, while Wareham is battling it out in the Small Town category.

Now in its 54th year, the nationwide competition will see 76 community gardening groups complete to be crowned the cleanest, greenest and most beautiful place in the UK

The Royal Horticultural Society Britain in Bloom judges will visit the finalists in August with the winners of each category and finalists’ final score – ranging from Gold to Bronze - announced at an awards ceremony in Belfast on October 19.

Chris Colledge, chairman of Bournemouth in Bloom, said: "Horticultural excellence and achievement has been part of Bournemouth's heritage for many years and it is the greatest honour and privilege to be invited to be part of Britain in Bloom 2018”.

"To be invited to be part of the 2018 Competition is something all of Bournemouth should feel very proud of and together with our many volunteers, excellent parks teams, residents and businesses we will strive to meet the challenge of being part of Britain in Bloom 2018 in the large Coastal Town Category".

Darren Share, chair of the Britain in Bloom judging panel, said: “Britain in Bloom groups work tirelessly throughout the year to tackle local issues and improve the place they call home. Everyone benefits from the work these groups carry out and I have seen first-hand the positive impact Britain in Bloom has in bringing communities together.”