Bigger Bloom competion this year

Part of the largest horticultural campaign in Europe, the Southern Water-sponsored competition encourages communities of all sizes to make positive and lasting sustainable improvements to their local environments.

Nearly 70 entries have already been registered compared with last year's 55.

The bloom contest takes into account sustainability as much as floral spectacle and provides a platform for communities to work together for a common goal.

Schools have a separate section in the competition, with projects and grounds judged in June. The main judging takes place in July.

Awards will be presented at a special ceremony in September by Olympic Gold medal-winning swimmer Duncan Goodhew.