THIS year's Britain in Bloom UK finals competition will not be going ahead due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has confirmed.

In a statement issued today (March 28) the RHS said this is an 'unprecedented' and 'challenging' time for people and the health and safety of communities, volunteers and judges remains their number one priority.

The statement said: "Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, this year’s RHS Britain in Bloom UK finals competition will not be going ahead.

"With the Government advising everyone to follow social distancing measures, it is sadly not currently possible for finalists to carry out their usual community gardening activities.

"Communities put huge year-round effort into Britain in Bloom to the benefit of both people and the environment and we know our 70 finalists will be very disappointed.

"The decision has not been taken lightly and we hope that many groups will want to participate again in 2021.

"We thank those involved for all the hard work they’ve put in so far to make the UK a cleaner, greener and more beautiful place, and their amazing community spirit that will be very important to people in the difficult times ahead."