Beautiful, green and clean. North Cumbria is boasting three finalists in this year's Britain in Bloom competition.

Dalston, near Carlisle, Silloth and Penrith Business Improvement District (BID) - along with Kendal - have been selected to represent the county at the country's biggest horticultural awards.

They have been chosen for their commitment to environmental responsibility, high levels of community participation and their outstanding gardening achievements.

Colin Cheyne, Cumbria in Bloom chairman, was proud to have four communities waving the region's flag at this year's final.

He said: "It is particularly relevant and pleasing that each one represents a different aspect of life in Cumbria and in different ways they are very forward-thinking communities."

Returning finalists Silloth and Dalston are aiming to be crowned coastal community under 12,000 and large village, respectively.

Last year their armies of volunteers were awarded the second highest medal available at the RHS awards.

Both places picked up a silver gilt, proving their flower power was among the strongest across the UK

Planting, pruning and weeding will now be a priority in the coming months as each of the finalists - among 75 in the country - prepare to welcome RHS Britain in Bloom judges and take them on a tour of their area in the summer.

A number of special awards that recognise excellence in a particular area - protecting the local environment, getting young people involved in gardening, or overcoming adversity such as flooding or vandalism - will also be up for grabs.

Andrea Van Sittart, RHS head of Community Outreach, congratulated all the finalists on what was a fantastic achievement for all those who make Britain a more beautiful place to live.

“We wish the Cumbria finalists the very best of luck as they embark on a gardening year to remember," she said.

The winners will be announced at the Britain in Bloom awards ceremony in Llandudno, North Wales, on October 27.

The contest, which is now in its 53rd year, celebrates the contribution made by an estimated 300,000 volunteers across the country.

It aims to bring communities together while promoting the environmental and health and wellbeing benefits of gardening.