RESIDENTS and businesses are being encouraged to show their support and get gardening in support of Bournemouth's bid for Britain in Bloom.

Reverend Chris Colledge, chairman of Bournemouth in Bloom, is calling on people who live and work in the town to back the group by donning their gardening gloves, seed packets and watering cans to decorate the area outside their home, workplace or school.

Earlier this year, Reverend Colledge announced the good news that Bournemouth had been listed as a finalist in the national Britain in Bloom competition due to the group’s ‘outstanding commitment to environmental responsibility, community participation and gardening achievement.'

As well as the national competition, Bournemouth in Bloom also runs its own competition with various categories for everyone to participate in, which he says will boost the town's bid for the UK-wide competition.

He said: "We are amazed. Everyone is starting to work so hard as we get closer to judging days for Bournemouth in Bloom, the South and South East category and the national Britain in Bloom judges."

Reverend Colledge said that he wants everyone to feel proud that Bournemouth has been named as a finalist and hopes that as many people as possible sign up for free to participate in the town's own competition.

"Bournemouth in Bloom is open to anybody who enjoys gardening or appreciates growing things, with children growing seeds in their schools and everything from big gardens to small gardens. Everyone should feel that they have a contribution to make."

Resident categories for this year's Bournemouth in Bloom competition include best window box, large front garden, small front garden, private balcony, retirement accommodation gardens and sensory tactile gardens.

Commercial and public categories include arcades and covered shopping areas, best B and B frontage, bowling clubs, restaurants, libraries, language schools and colleges and best landscaped commercial premises.

To receive a form through the post, send a stamped and addressed envelope to: Beryl Parker, Secretary of Bournemouth in Bloom, 101 Craigmoor Avenue, Strouden Park, Bournemouth, BH8 9LT or call Beryl on 01202 512717. Completed entry forms must be returned by Friday, June 17.

Alternatively, to see the full list of categories for this year's event and to apply online for free, go to Bournemouthinbloom.co.uk