THE green-fingered force behind an award-winning village wants more people to get involved and boost its prize chances.

Heysham's Britain in Bloom committee says there are cups and prizes up for grabs locally for people who get together with friends and neighbours to perk up the area.

The appeal for help comes in the run up to this summer's Royal Horticultural Society North West in Bloom contest.

Local organiser Angela Sykes says: "We are looking for more areas to enter - but it is not just about residents keeping their own gardens nice. It is also for projects where neighbours get together.

"There is a new category aiming to get the community working, and I believe there are lots of neighbourhoods around here that could enter."

She says that projects such as the allotments which have been created on Sandylands and the Stud Farm on Oxcliffe Road could be strong contenders.

Categories in the competition include best front garden, back garden, traditional paved back yard, front terrace, public space and best special feature - such as a hanging baskets and pond.

Heysham in Bloom is offering prizes to the local winners.

Resident Isobel Hutchinson, says: "Entering a neighbourhood can only improve the environment and raise community spirit. We found that once the project in Heysham village got under way everyone started to get involved and club together."

She goes on: "A neighbourhood is not just about pretty gardens and entrants do not need to spend a lot of money. It is about what can be achieved when residents get together.

"We thought there were places a lot prettier and more picturesque than Heysham village in the country, but we soon realised that it is about what communities can do to improve their environment and sustain it."

The Citizen is teaming up with the Heysham Britain in Bloom team today by asking kids to pick up a paint brush and design an A4 poster for the competition.

There are age groups of up to five years and six to 12 years, and the winners will have their artwork professionally printed and pinned up around Heysham.

To enter, simply write send a design to Heysham in Bloom, 12 Main Street, Heysham, LA3 2RW, before June 18 - and don't forget to write your name, age and address on the back of each entry.