A VALE-BASED attraction is calling for support in the National Trust Wales ‘Special Places’ campaign ahead of a seal of royal approval.

Dyffryn Gardens is seeking votes in the conservation charity’s Special Places campaign has sparked a national conversation that gets people talking and voting for their own ‘special place’ in Wales.

The open nomination period, where members of the public can nominate their Special Place on various online platforms will run until Sunday June 29.

The shortlist will be announced at the Royal Welsh Show, and then the final winner revealed at the National Eisteddfod in Carmarthenshire in August.

Staff and volunteers at Dyffryn Gardens are urging the public to submit their votes via Twitter using #lleoeddarbennig/#specialplaces, Facebook, or by filling in a voting slip at the property – ahead of all votes being shortlisted to a top ten which will be put out to public voting for a final time.

The winning ‘Special Place’ will be given help and support to promote it in Wales and internationally by the National Trust and other partners, including Visit Wales, Cadw and Cynnal Cymru.

Eminent landscape architect Thomas Mawson designed the gardens which are the early 20th-century vision of industrialist John Cory and his son Reginald.

The Edwardian designed garden covers more than 55 acres featuring a stunning collection of intimate garden rooms, formal lawns and seasonal bedding.

The tourist attraction has also employed an army of school children to ensure it provides a regal display for its forthcoming royal visitors.

Dyffryn Gardens will host a visit from HRH Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall on July 1 and St Nicholas Church in Wales primary school has been creating hundreds of colourful butterflies to decorate the borders.

Thousands of dahlias, being planted now, will look spectacular come August and September, but the children will be ensuring the royals will view the borders brightened by their colourful creations.

Some of the pupils will get a chance to meet the royals and show them their hard work.

Huge amounts of preparation are happening in the gardens to make them look spotless for the royal visit.

Handymen, gardeners and staff are putting all their energy into painting gates, varnishing benches, planting wonderful specimens and mowing the acres of lawns. The croquet lawn is being given extra attention as it is the only croquet lawn kept to international playing standards in Wales. Dyffryn Gardens has its own in house team who compete at international level.

General manager of Dyffryn Gardens, Geraldine Donovan added: “This event is bringing the local community together to celebrate both the gardens and the Royal family, it is a real team effort and we’re sure it will turn out to be a truly fantastic day.”

For information about Dyffryn Gardens events, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dyffryngardens

Special Places nominations closes on Sunday, June 29. To vote for your own special place, vote via Twitter using #lleoeddarbennig / #specialplaces @NTWales or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NTWales/app_235533479970037