GLORIOUS front gardens, gorgeous back yards, green projects, churches, schools and pubs will be making Kendal proud this summer, writes Beth Broomby.

As the last of the frost begins to retreat, gardeners young and old have been urged to take part in this year's Kendal Pride.

The annual competition aims to transform the streets into a cacophony of colour each summer and put a bit of green into the grey town.

Competition categories include: best front or back garden; best environ-mental project; best residential/ community area/yard; best kept church; a photographic competition; best pub/restaurant/hotel/B&B; and the school's summer challenge.

The categories have been simplified to encourage more entries and Kendal Town Major Tony Rothwell said this year he was particularly keen to see more businesses take part.

"We want to encourage as many traders as possible to take part and encourage them to get involved in hanging basket schemes around the town," he said.

But you don't have to be a business to take part in Kendal Pride.

One of the most popular categories every year is the best front garden category and this year judges have decided to include back gardens in the competition for the first time because so many green-fingered residents spend precious hours making their back yards flourish.

Last year's proud winners of the best front garden category were Harry and Maureen Hine, of Burton Road, while Peter Taylor's Hallgarth Circle garden has been popular with judges for a number of years last year he scooped third prize.

But in 2003 the Kendal Pride committee is hopeful that they will receive a number of new entries from undiscovered horticultural gems as well as applications from familiar faces.

Over the coming weeks The Westmorland Gazette will keep you posted of developments, competition rules and advice as well as printing a series of application forms enabling you to take part in the floral festivities.

May 30, 2003 11:30