Green fingered volunteers, including the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, were planting flowers in the Square last Thursday evening as part of Holsworthy in Bloom. The planting this year has been

sponsored by Waitrose, who have donated £500 to the town council, and Southbourne Catering, who look after the planters on Fore Street. This year's Holsworthy in Bloom competition has been revamped and expanded to include residential gardens as well as commercial premises. Local residents and

businesses are being invited to enter this year's competition. Mayor, Cllr Elizabeth Squire, said: "The people of Holsworthy have always taken a great pride in their gardens, both vegetable and flowers and within the town there are many beautiful, lovingly tended plots, which are never seen or appreciated by the public. Following requests received, it has been decided to create a new category to include private gardens and Holsworthy Town Council want to encourage you, the residents, to get involved and make a difference to the appearance of not only the town square, but also the residential areas." The competition has two main categories: Commercial premises — based on the overall floral appearances of the premises; Residential gardens — based on, either the front or rear garden, patio or exterior (comprising a display of any combination of hanging baskets, window boxes, containers or balcony, or

single hanging basket, window box or container). Entry is free and open to

anyone living within the boundaries of Holsworthy Town. To enter your

business or garden contact Clare Dalley on 01409 253312 for an entry form. All entry forms need to be returned to Mrs Dalley by Sunday, June 28. Judging will take place during St Peter's Fair week and will be carried out by a panel of judges. The winner of each section will receive, and hold, a trophy for one year, and framed certificates will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners.