RESIDENTS in Ramsey are being encouraged to bring the town into bloom by entering a gardening competition.

This year's Ramsey in Bloom competition has been launched with a prize fund of £650 and 13 trophies up for grabs.

Kevin Crowe, Ramsey Town Commissioners' member for parks and leisure, said: "Ramsey in Bloom is a great opportunity for people in Ramsey – individuals, businesses, schools and voluntary groups - to get involved to help make the town look its best.

"With such a wide range of categories, gardeners of all ages and abilities can enter the competition that every year reveals some outstanding gardening talent and really tests the judges when choosing the winners."

Participants can enter in the following categories:

- Public building section: including schools, hospitals, nursing homes, sheltered housing complexes, church properties, bus and tram stations and youth and social clubs

- Commercial premises: including shops, pubs, offices and guest houses

- Private gardens: including private sector and public sector

- Special prizes: including best newcomer and for best use of limited space 

- Community project: work carried out by any organisation or group to the benefit of the whole community

- Wildlife garden: prize for attracting wildlife through use of bird boxes, plantings and food

Judging will take place in July and a prize presentation will be held later in the summer at Ramsey Town Hall.

Application forms are available from Ramsey Town Hall and Ramsey Library. They can also be downloaded from www.ramsey.gov.im.

Completed application forms must be received no later than Thursday, June 30.