One village will represent all of Cumbria in a national horticultural competition later this month.

Wreay, south of Carlisle, has been selected as Cumbria’s entrant for the Britain in Bloom finals this year.

Organised by the Royal Horticultural Society since 1964, the Britain in Bloom competition is one of the most prestigious horticultural competitions in the UK.

It is entered by the communities of towns, villages and cities across the UK, with different categories in place for various sizes of settlements.

Pat Geddes, and Cumbria in Bloom chair Ronnie AuldPat Geddes, and Cumbria in Bloom chair Ronnie Auld (Image: Cumbria in Bloom)

Groups are assessed for their achievements in three main areas, which are horticultural excellence, environmental responsibility, and community participation.

This year is the 60th anniversary of the competition, and in keeping with its history of bringing people together, 2024’s theme is ‘friendship’.

Wreay resident Pat Geddes, 81, is one of the project leaders of the localised Wreay in Bloom and has overseen the work village volunteers have done to get the area ready for judges on August 15.

Cherry blossom by St Mary's Church in WreayCherry blossom by St Mary's Church in Wreay (Image: Cumbria in Bloom)

She said: “We want to be put forward for our community activities and our heritage – our main focus points are sustainability, recycling, and caring for the environment.”

Villagers have been planting flowers for pollinating insects and holding parties for the area as well.

Ms Geddes added that with Irthington entering Britain in Bloom finals in 2022 saw the county’s youngest representative at 20, she is likely the oldest to represent the county.

Pat Geddes preparing one of Wreay's plantersPat Geddes preparing one of Wreay's planters (Image: Cumbria in Bloom)

She added that the village has been ‘damaged’ because of the Carlisle Southern Link Road development due to the higher number of lorries travelling through, so the Wreay in Bloom team is working with contractors Galliford Try to ‘put things right’ for residents, and also with local businesses who are offering various free services they need.

“We’re very proud to be in it – while the environment is our concern we want to do Cumbria proud and we’re working very hard to do so.”