A community group has launched its annual gardens competition, open to residents in the town.

Halstead in Bloom is inviting green-fingered residents who have gardens they can be proud of to enter the competition.

Entrants can take part under the five categories of front garden, back garden, new or makeover garden, allotment and kitchen garden, or patio, container and hanging basket.

Those taking part will be judged on a clean, tidy and well-tended garden, including colour coordination and plant mix, and will get a chance to discuss the use of any water conservation, recycling, mulching, and composting with the judges.

Points will also be awarded for sustainable planting, future plans for the garden, and any plants raised by the entrant.

Entry forms are available around the town where a poster is displayed and from Halstead Town Council office as well as online applications this year at hibgardencompetition@yahoo.com.

The closing date for the competition is July 15, and judging visits will be either July 23 or 24.

Every entrant will receive a certificate and there will be a £25 garden voucher for the winner of each of the five categories.

Entrants can also enter the Royal Horticultural Society’s It's Your Neighbourhood competition where individuals work together on a local project, for example keeping their local area clean or working on a shared green space or building.

Certificates in this category will be awarded by RHS.