With record numbers expected in 2018 and its continued expansion, Bodnant Gardens is now in line to cap it all off with a prestigious award.

The National Trust garden has been named as one of five finalists for the 2018 BBC Countryfile Magazine Garden of the Year award.

Bodnant Garden is on course to welcome a record-breaking quarter of a million visitors this year, the first time in its 140-year history, having opened an additional 40 acres to the public over the past few years.

The garden also allows dogs and their owners to stroll the grounds, has early morning and evening openings, and a year-round events programme for adults and families.

Bodnant Garden property manager William Greenwood said: “Bodnant Garden has always been a great garden, but now there’s more of it for people to enjoy and something for all tastes, whether that’s admiring formal beds and borders, strolling in the meadows taking photos of wildlife, or den building in the woods with the children.

“Bodnant Garden really is a gem in the beautiful North Wales landscape."

The four other finalists in the competition include Coleton Fishacre National Trust in Devon, Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall, Rousham Gardens in Oxfordshire and Mount Stewart National Trust in County Down.

Mr Greenwood said: "We know we have some wonderful friends out there so here’s the chance for everyone to tell the world about our glorious Welsh garden.

"We’re asking everyone to vote, to spread the word, and to help give Bodnant Garden the recognition it deserves as one of the nation’s truly special places.”

The competition runs until March 5 and people can cast their votes, either online at the BBC Countryfile Magazine website, www.countryfile.com/category/tag-cloud/bbc- countryfile-magazine- awards, or by returning the form printed in the February issue of the magazine.