BEAUTIFUL villages and hamlets previously put off by the cost of competing in South West in Bloom will be able to sign up to the contest for free.
Organisers have waived application fees in a bid to encourage small communities in South Gloucestershire to enter the regional competition.
As part of the New Entrants’ Scheme, the application process will also be made easier, with less paperwork to fill in, and the judging criteria much simpler.
A South West In Bloom spokesman said: "Villages surrounding Thornbury such as Oldbury, Tytherington, Tockington, Lower Almondsbury, Almondsbury are all ideal candidates. However larger areas such as Winterbourne,Kingswood, Bradley Stoke or Emersons Green could all take the plunge and join the ever-growing Britain In Bloom family."
He added: "The benefits of taking part in the competition are that it improves the environment for residents, businesses and visitors alike. It builds great community spirit with the sense of working together for a joint goal and it encourages people of all ages and abilities to get involved and do something for the environment."
For more information about South West in Bloom go to www.southwestinbloom.org.uk or email southwestinbloom@aol.com You can also contact Thornbury In Bloom member Sue Aitken at thornburyinbloom@yahoo.co.uk or on 01454 419350
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