THERE is still plenty of time to enter and take part in this year s gardening competition – Stevenage In Bloom. The In Bloom Forum is searching for the town s most attractive gardens, floral displays and community projects for this year s competition. Wit

THERE is still plenty of time to enter and take part in this year's gardening competition - Stevenage In Bloom.

The In Bloom Forum is searching for the town's most attractive gardens, floral displays and community projects for this year's competition.

With gardening the nation's favourite pastime, many of the town's residents are proud of their gardening achievements and we want to hear about them.

All you need is a garden you are proud of and want to show off. The competition is open to anyone who lives in the town as well as local businesses and schools and entry is completely FREE.

There are 10 categories in this year's competition and everyone can take part. Whether you are a gardening enthusiast - amateur or professional - at school or enjoying your retirement, living in a flat or running a pub, there is no excuse for not entering.

The competition is designed to help promote and encourage all sectors of the Stevenage community to contribute to the tidy and colourful appearance of our town and play an active role in improving the environment. Judges will visit entrants during July and trophies and prizes will be presented at the awards ceremony in September.

In a joint statement, executive councillor for environment, John Gardner, and executive councillor for community and culture, Sue Myson, said: "Every year Stevenage in Bloom is a great success and we want to make this year's competition even better. Get your entries in and be part of this wonderful competition that not only highlights community spirit, creativity and dedication, but also environmental awareness and a real sense of pride in the town. Help make Stevenage bright, beautiful and colourful this summer."

* Application forms are available from Stevenage Borough Council, Van Hage Garden Company and Homebase, or you can fill in the form on the right.

Please return all paper entry forms to: The In Bloom Forum, c/o Parks and Amenities, Stevenage Borough Council, Daneshill House, Danestrete, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 1HN. Althernatively, you can log onto the council website on stevenage.gov.uk or The Comet website on www.thecomet.net, fill out an entry form and return it online. The closing date for entries is Friday, June 30.