Is your garden blooming lovely?

Green-fingered locals and publicans are being urged to enter this year’s Saddleworth in Bloom competition.

Councillor Alma McInnes, chairman of Saddleworth Parish Council, will be judging entrants with gardening expert Frank Ashton later this month.

Council clerk Tony Marlor said: “We are hoping for a really good entry and would urge all people who are proud of their gardens to take part.

“The weather this year has been good for gardens and the recent spell of sunshine shows them off at their very best.

“The competition is the council’s way of applauding people’s efforts and celebrating their wonderful gardening achievements.

“The contest is open to everyone and we look forward to receiving entries.”

Councillor McInnes will make her tour of the gardens on Wednesday, July 15.

The categories are large, medium, small gardens, container and community garden.

Residents can nominate their own garden or one in the area they think should be seen by the judges.

There is also a special category awarded for the Best Blooming Pub in Saddleworth.

The winners in all categories receive an engraved silver salver and a framed photograph of the garden, while runners-up are presented with a highly commended certificate.

All prize winners are invited to a presentation evening that includes a “Gardener’s Question” time with Mr Ashton.

If anyone would like to enter their garden or nominate a garden in the competition, contact Barbara or Hazel at the parish council offices on 01457-876665, or send an e-mail to enquiries@saddleworthparishcouncil.org.uk.