Voted the best coastal community in the Beautiful Scotland campaign for 2008 has propelled the town towards the prestigious national campaign, organised by the Royal Horticultural Society.

Main pillars of the Britain in Bloom campaign are horticultural achievement, environmental responsibility and community participation.

Those involved in preparing for the judges' visit will also have to compile a portfolio containing information and evidence of year-round working.

Zoe Smith, chair of St Andrews Community Council, said itwas delighted to be working with "distinct and diverse groups within the town".

She added: "Both the Beautiful Scotland campaign and now Britain in Bloom reflect the values the community council has anyway, regarding community involvement, ownership and ecology. I would urge anybody who feels they have anything to offer to get in touch."

The small group of volunteers that makes up St Andrews in Bloom is hoping the news will attract other volunteers to assist with its work.

Member Jill Hardie commented: "This is exciting news and will certainly present many challenges in the forthcoming months.

"We will look forward to working with the Community Council and very much hope the success of this year and the potential for recognition on the national stage next year will encourage others to assist us."

Judges from the Royal Horticultural Society will visit St Andrews in August 2009 and will have three hours in which to assess the entry.

Depending on the amount of marks achieved, St Andrews will be awarded a medal of gold, silver gilt, silver or bronze, at an award ceremony in September.

Keith Jackson, parks and community events officer with Fife Council, said the national campaigns encompassed environmental issues including biodiversity initiatives, resource management and local heritage.

"A greater emphasis is now being placed on how the community engages with this campaign, something I know, through the work of St Andrews in Bloom and the Community Council, is already in place," he added.