THERE is still time for green fingered residents to enter this year’s Darlington in Bloom competition.

Last year’s competition attracted 37 entries and for the first time the people of Darlington voted for their winners with 2,153 votes cast through Facebook, as well as 96 votes at Crown Street Library.

This year the competition returns to a more traditional format but there is still a chance for people to have their say on the best gardens in the borough.

There are six categories: Best garden, yard, business, community garden, alternative garden and the people’s choice award, which can be voted for online.

Judges will visit the shortlisted entries in the first five categories.

Once the winners have been chosen, the other shortlisted entrants will be put forward into the people’s choice category where the winner will be chosen via a social media vote. Winners of each category will get a £25 gardening voucher.

Entry forms are available on the Darlington Borough Council’s website at www.darlington.gov.uk/darlingtoninbloom or by calling 01325 466645.

Entrants need to provide a short description of their garden, as well as an up-to-date photo.

The deadline for entries is Friday, July 17 and judging will take place later this month with the winners selected in August.