GARDENING enthusiasts and super snappers are being invited to show off flower power and photographic skills in an annual competition.

Entries are now open for Basingstoke in Bloom, in gardening and photographic categories, with applications being accepted from residents, businesses, communities and schools within the borough.

The competition was resurrected by a team of volunteers in 2012, after being cancelled by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council in 2011 after its funding was cut.

The event aims to showcase residential, commercial, educational and public areas and encourages people to participate in a creative and enjoyable outdoor activity.

Entry is free, and there are prizes for first, second and third places.

The closing date for the garden competition is June 27, while the photographic competition deadline is July 31.

There are eight categories in the garden competition: Small front garden, Medium/large front garden, Container (front) garden, Environmental/wildlife garden, Community garden, Commercial garden, Schools: single container (blooms and/or vegetables), Single hanging basket/container.

Tanya Ball, from Kempshott, who is one of the organisers of the event, said: “We urge any keen amateur gardener and photographer within the borough to enter the ring and show what they can do.

“We are especially keen to encourage participation from businesses, schools and communities.”

For more information, including electronic entry forms, visit basingstokeinbloom.com.

Hard copy entry forms can be picked up from various garden centres, including competition sponsors Wyevale Garden Centre, in Dummer, and Conkers, in London Road, Basingstoke, as well as Hardy’s Cottage Garden Plants, in Freefolk, and from Basingstoke Discovery Centre.