GARDENERS across the city are being urged to use their green fingers and phone a friend to take part in this year's Worcester in Bloom competition.

Organisers want this year's event to be the biggest and best yet and have urged entrants to recommend friends and neighbours gardens to boost the tally to more than 250.

All 204 entrants from last year's competition are being asked to 'phone a friend' to help increase numbers.

Ian Yates, the city's parks and cemeteries manager, said he was pleased to see more Worcester gardeners putting their own efforts forward.

"Whenever I go around the city, I see scores of gardens that would score well in the competition", he said.

"Last year's event was the biggest yet, with entries increasing by more than a quarter on the previous year.

"With the success of TV gardening shows and "rake-over" programmes as well as a new-found upsurge in gardening popularity that's also seen allotment uptake in Worcester rise to more than 90 per cent, we have the potential to make this year's gardens competition the best yet."

Judy Allen, of The Mug House in Claines, which was voted best public house in last year's competition, said it was well worth entering.

"You think someone else will win but we were absolutely delighted and so were the customers," she said.

And Mr Yates stressed that a garden did not have to look like Kew to triumph.

"A garden can be the size of a postage stamp and still be in with an excellent chance of winning a top cash prize.

"And if you're proud of your achievements or impressed by your neighbour's achievements, here's an opportunity to get it recognised."

Entry forms are available from the council's customer service centre on 01905 722233 or can be downloaded from www.cityofworcester.gov.uk

The closing date for the nominations is Thursday, June 30, and judging will take place during the last week of July.