A RUN-DOWN area is appealing to its smarter neighbour for tips on how to impress the judges in a gardening contest.

For only the second year, members of the Future Regeneration of Grangetown (Frog) group plans to enter the Britain in Bloom competition.

But inexperience, along with a lack of local support, has made them doubt their chances of success. So they have enlisted the help of Saltburn, which regularly does well in the competition.

Jonathan Broad, a community environment worker at Frog, said: "We have been talking to Jackie Taylor, who organises Saltburn's entry, because she has been so successful."

Mr Broad said that while the two areas will be judged in the same category, he is not looking to beat Saltburn.

"We have to be realistic," he said.

As the local response to last year's idea of using hanging baskets was less than enthusiastic, Mr Broad is adopting a change of tactics.

"Last year, we were playing it by ear, but this year, we are trying to give people window boxes to look after," he said.

"We are encouraging Alderman William Jones School to enter the individual category because it has a school garden which they put quite a lot of effort into."

Mr Broad said that due to foot-and-mouth, judging has been delayed and local people can still take part in the contest.

"It's very much a snowball effect," he said. "It's all about people creating a positive feeling and putting the effort in to improve their community."

Anyone interested in cultivating or helping to make window boxes should contact Mr Broad on (01642) 467598.