OXFORD in Bloom contenders are being urged to turn out tomorrow for the competition’s official launch.

Last year there were more than 600 entries in the Oxford Mail-backed contest, which is now in its 21st year.

Organisers are hoping for even more this year, and are urging people to visit the official launch at Templars Square shopping centre in Cowley.

Karen Roberts, Oxford in Bloom chairman, urged gardeners to turn up to the launch between 10.30am and 4pm.

She said: “For anyone interested in taking part in Oxford in Bloom, Templars Square is the place to be.

“This will be the ideal opportunity for people to pick up an entry form.

“There will be staff from the city council’s parks department who will be available to give advice on the different sections of the competition they could enter.

“There will also be staff demonstrating how to plant hanging baskets, and there will be a competition for people to win a hanging basket by correctly naming different flowers.”

Ms Roberts added: “We want people to start gardening now, so that they can enter the competition in time for the closing date on July 10.”

Categories include Best Kept Small Front Garden, Best Kept Large Front Garden, Most Beautiful Hanging Basket, Most Florally Attractive Window Box and Under-11 Planter.

There are also a number of categories in the business section, including Best Schools Environment Project.

Oxford East MP Andrew Smith, who will be at the launch, said: “Oxford in Bloom is a fantastic opportunity for the city to show itself at its best and for people to take pride in their gardens. Oxford in Bloom has gone from strength to strength.”

Gardeners who cannot make it to the launch can pick up an entry form from Templars Square, at council offices, or from the website oxford.gov.uk Judging takes place in the week beginning Monday, July 20, with the winners ann-ounced at a presentation evening in September.