A GROUP of keen gardeners are head “clover” heels with happiness after being selected to represent Scotland in this year’s Britain in Bloom competition.

The contest, organised by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), makes its return for the first time since 2019 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

North Berwick In Bloom has been chosen thanks to the group’s efforts to deliver environmental improvements to the town; work that saw it win gold at the Beautiful Scotland awards last year.

In partnership with RHS, the awards are run by Keep Scotland Beautiful, an environmental charity that aims to combat climate change, reduce litter and enhance the beauty of the nation’s towns.

Juliette Camburn, community projects officer at Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “We are delighted that North Berwick in Bloom has reached the 2022 RHS Britain in Bloom finals.

“This announcement provides another opportunity to celebrate the outstanding achievements of groups across Scotland who all make a significant contribution towards helping to improve their local environments.

“Together with the RHS, we have supported the work of communities to make the places they love – be it a city, town or village – clean, green and sustainable and it’s wonderful to see them compete at a UK level.”

North Berwick In Bloom, which has previously enjoyed success in the competition, will now join one other Scottish entrant, Burgh Beautiful Linlithgow, and 44 other communities across the UK to compete to be the cleanest, greenest and most beautiful place, across eight categories.

Libby Morris, chairwoman of North Berwick In Bloom, said: “We are delighted to be one of two Scottish entries in the RHS Britain in Bloom competition for 2022.

“The challenges of the last two years brought out the best in our community, and many different organisations worked together to make our town look beautiful and cared for.

“We know that we can count on their support again as we make plans for this summer, and we all look forward to welcoming the judging team and showing them our town.

“It is a huge privilege to be chosen to represent Scotland, particularly in the jubilee year, and we will do our best to impress the judges.”