HORTICULTURALISTS are being invited to enter their gardens into a community contest.

The Chester’s Best competition encourages residents and organisations in Chester-le-Street and its surrounding villages to keep their area looking great by celebrating its most impressive floral displays and environmental improvements.

Individuals, allotment holders, groups and businesses have until Sunday June 30 to enter their projects.

Ian Hoult, Durham County Council’s neighbourhood protection manager, said: “Chester’s Best celebrates the hard work and dedication of people who give up their time to make Chester-le-Street an attractive place to live, work and visit.

“Every year the standard of entries we receive gets better and better. It’s fantastic to see how proud people are of their area and I hope they will take the opportunity to share their gardens and green spaces with us.”

There are five categories: business frontage/floral display; community space improvement by a group or an individual; residential garden; allotment or kitchen garden; and school, nursery or young peoples’ club garden or group project.

Entries are also welcomed from people who do not have a garden, who can take part by displaying plant pots, containers, window boxes or hanging baskets.

Entry forms can be downloaded from www.durham.gov.uk/chestersbest

Alternatively, paper copies can be requested by email from civicpride@durham.gov.uk, by telephone from 03000-260-000 or picked up in person from the One Point Hub, Burns Green, Chester-le-Street, DH3 3QH.