GARDENERS in Yate and Dodington are hoping for a blooming good year as they launch their 2012 entry into Britain In Bloom.

The Yate and Dodington In Bloom officially launched this year’s campaign at an event in the Pop Inn café, in Yate Shopping Centre, where members were delighted to receive some green-fingered support from their local MP.

Thornbury and Yate MP Steve Webb told the group their hard work was much appreciated.

He said: "I was delighted to attend the launch of the Yate and Dodington in Bloom 2012 campaign. This is a fantastic way for people to volunteer in their local community and make a real, noticeable difference.

"I have to give credit to all the hard work that has already been done. There are many patches of the local landscape that are now brighter because of the team’s efforts. If they keep it up, the campaign will be as successful as last year."

In what was its first ever entry in 2011, the In Bloom group scooped a silver award in the St Bridget’s Cup and three community awards for different projects in the town.

At the launch event for 2012 members welcomed members of the public to talk about ways in which they could help improve their environment. They had the opportunity to enter competitions, collect seeds to grow sunflowers, talk to gardening experts and look at the displays of last year’s entries and awards.