A popular gardening competition has returned after a community effort saved it from closing down.

Entries are now open for this year's Yarmouth Borough In Bloom, with organisers encouraging green-fingered people in the town, Gorleston and surrounding villages to get involved.

The competition relaunched last June after its predecessor - Great Yarmouth and Gorleston In Bloom - announced its disbandment earlier in the year.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Yarmouth In Bloom's committee at then 2023 awards ceremony.Yarmouth In Bloom's committee at then 2023 awards ceremony. (Image: Yarmouth Borough In Bloom)The organisation's new chairman Philip Stone said the competition's return is to highlight the efforts of many keen gardeners and to instil a sense of pride in neighbourhoods across the borough.

"We are delighted to be returning with In Bloom for a second year running and we cannot wait to see other people's hard efforts over the past twelve months," he said.

"The committee had such a brilliant time last year and participants were very grateful the competition was kept alive. It really goes to show there is much appetite for bettering neighbourhoods and allotments as well as creating a sense of well-being in the community.

"And we want people to be recognised for the best they can be."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Yarmouth In Bloom chairman Philip Stone.Yarmouth In Bloom chairman Philip Stone. (Image: James Weeds)The competition is entirely self-funded by Yarmouth Borough In Bloom and entry remains free this year. The deadline for entries is Friday, June 21.

YARMOUTH BOROUGH IN BLOOM 2024

Yarmouth In Bloom covers Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, Belton with Browston, Bradwell and Burgh Castle, Caister, Filby, Fleggburgh, Fritton and St Olaves, Hemsby and Hopton, Martham and Mautby, Ormesby and Scratby, Repps with Bastwick and Rollesby, Somerton and Stokesby with Herringby, Thurne, West Caister and Winterton.

Green-fingered enthusiasts will be judged in the following categories:

- gardens under 60 sqm
- gardens over 60sqm
- best commercial premises
- allotments
- environmentally friendly

The judges will carry out inspections during the summer, with an awards ceremony planned for later in the year.

To enter email tracie.marshview@yahoo.co.uk by June 21 with the following details: Name, address, telephone number, category and state if back garden.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: A Yarmouth In Bloom trophy.A Yarmouth In Bloom trophy. (Image: Yarmouth In Bloom)