Last chance to enter gardening contest

Manchester’s green-fingered residents are being reminded this week is their last chance to enter Manchester City Council’s gardening competition.

Cash prizes of up to £500 are on offer in the Manchester's Great Green Neighbourhoods Competition, but entries must be in by Friday July 24.

All amateur gardeners are invited to enter, and judges will be looking for bright, colourful displays in which residents make good use of space, but extra points will also be given for environmental features such as composters, wormeries and the use of peat-free products.

The competition is being held as part of the year-long Proud Of Manchester programme, which celebrates life in city's neighbourhoods.

The contest is open to all Manchester residents living in private accommodation as well as tenants of Manchester City Council, Adactus, City South Manchester Housing, Northwards Housing, Eastlands Homes, Grove Village/ Harvest Housing/ MDHA and Irwell Valley.

Categories include best private and non-private housing garden, best communal garden, most improved garden and best nursery and crèche, while residents can also enter the best grow your own, best biodiversity hotspot, best street and best contribution to the community.

Councillor Paul Andrews, Manchester City Council's Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services, said: "We know Manchester residents have a lot of pride in the areas they live, and creating an attractive garden is a wonderful way of demonstrating that pride.

"We've had some wonderful entries this year but it would be a shame for any residents to miss out, so I'd like to ask anyone interested in taking part to make sure they send their entries in."

Application forms are available from housing offices or by contacting the Environmental Campaigns Team on 0161 953 2733 or e-mailing campaigns.team@manchester.gov.uk