Douglas Borough Council is inviting entries for Douglas in Bloom 2011. Open to all Douglas ratepayers the contest is divided into 10 categories: § Hotels and guest houses without gardens; § Hotels and guest houses with gardens; § Private houses with gardens; § Business premises; § Pub/restaurant/cafe; § Public/community garden; § Best residential area; § Best Douglas Borough Council property (house or apartment); § Conservation, wildlife and biodiversity; § Secret garden (gardening ‘gems’ out of public view). Leisure services chairman councillor Stephen Pitts said: ‘Every year the entries are of an unfailingly high standard in Douglas in Bloom, a competition we see as a community initiative that plays a key role in helping make the town more attractive.’ Council leader David Christian JP added: ‘Douglas in Bloom provides an opportunity to encourage a sense of civic pride, especially this year when the eyes of the world will be on Douglas in September during the Commonwealth Youth Games.’ Douglas in Bloom application forms are available from the Town Hall. Alternatively, to submit an entry or download a form, visit www.douglas.gov.im and follow the link. Closing date for entries is Friday July 15, 2011. Ends