KEEN gardeners in Worcester and Malvern are being urged to dust off their gloves for a big competition.

They have been urged to start thinking about their entries for Worcester in Bloom and Malvern in Bloom - the annual gardening competitions for the city and town. The competition aims to encourage and inspire people to create their own little piece of greenery. In Worcester categories include best patio, hanging baskets and window boxes, and there are also sections for landscaped gardens, traditional gardens and business gardens.

Linda Ohlson, Worcester in Bloom organiser, said: "Worcester is a beautiful city, and the summer planting really enhances our quality of life and the experience of visitors. The city's gardeners should be rewarded for the time and trouble they put in."

Worcester in Bloom judges will be choosing the city's best domestic and commercial displays in July, with trophies presented at an exclusive awards ceremony in September. Application forms can be downloaded from www.worcester. gov.uk or by calling the customer services centre on 01905 722233 Meanwhile, in Malvern the town councill wants as many residents as possible to add their own splash of floral colour to the town and enter it into the annual contest. Some displays in the Priory and Chase wards may contribute to the town's Britain in Bloom contest.

The council has introduced a new category this year, the Junior Cup - open to anyone aged 18 or under - to add to the general residents section, while all businesses that put up displays will automatically gain entry to the business sections.

Town clerk Richard Chapman said: "We are very keen to encourage more residents to enter the competition. We have sold an unprecedented number of hanging baskets to companies in the town this year. I think we have sold more than 300 and that is quite a lot."

Last year Malvern won a gold award for its entry in the Britain in Bloom competition and came third overall in the Heart of England region.

Application forms for the Malvern in Bloom Competition are available from the town council offices in Belle Vue Terrace from Monday, June 18, and entries should be submitted by Friday, July 13.

Anyone wanting advice and guidance about creating a floral display can ring Richard Chapman on 01684 566667.