AN annual garden competition has seen a record number of entries.

Barnard Castle Town Council's 2005 Garden competition has attracted 42 entries this year.

There is also an increased number of entries from local businesses making it a record number for the seven years of the competition.

This year, the town council published a newsletter that was delivered to every household which featured an article about the competition.

Competition organiser, Councillor Margaret Hamilton, said this year's number of entries may relate to the newsletter article.

She said: "We normally have about 26 or 28 entries, so to get 42 this years is pretty hot stuff. I think that the editorial in the newsletter had a lot to do with it.

"Most of the entries came from that and it helped in a big way.

"To be honest, I am still a little disappointed about the number of entries from businesses, but it's not as bad as last year."

Steve Robinson, from Darlington, will be judging the entries from 9am, on Wednesday, August 10, helped by Mayor John Yarker.

Three prizes will be awarded in each of the four categories and a number of highly commended awards will also be made. The prizes will be presented at the town council meeting on Monday, September 5.