GREEN-fingered tenants and allotmenteers are being urged to enter Wigan and Leigh Homes’ annual garden competition.

Anyone who lives on a Wigan and Leigh Homes estate and has a neighbourhood, street, garden or allotment plot to be proud of can enter.

Residents can also nominate a neighbour or a friend for the popular competition.

Cllr Chris Ready, cabinet member for housing at Wigan Council, said: “The annual gardening competition is a very popular event and highlights the wonderful gardens and allotments we have right across the borough.

“If you are a proud owner of a great garden or amazing allotment, don’t hesitate to enter. We would love to hear from you.”

The gardens are judged by the Better Neighbourhoods Garden Competition Group and gold, silver and bronze prizes are awarded.

The top title of ‘Best Overall Garden’ will be chosen from the gold winning entrants from all categories.

This year there will be a separate award for someone entering the competition for the first time.

The categories are 'Best Traditional Garden', 'Best Ornamental Garden', 'Best Communal Garden', 'Best Neighbourhood', 'Best Hanging Basket and Container Garden' and 'Best Vegetable or Fruit Garden/Allotment'.

Wigan and Leigh Homes chief executive Janice Barton launched this year's competition at Moss Bank Nurseries in Leigh, which sponsors the competition along with Bulldog Tools, Thompson and Morgan, Magnum Furniture Store and Adactus Housing Association.

Adactus Housing Association tenants within the borough can enter for the first time this year.

The closing date for entries is June 27.

Judging will start on July 11 and the awards will be presented at a special ceremony in September.

To enter download an application form from walh.co.uk and e-mail it to enquiries@walh.co.uk.

Alternatively call 01942 486557 or freephone 0800 389 7652.

Entrants can only enter one category.