Green fingered North Wiltshire residents are invited to take part in the 2003 North Wiltshire Flower Festival.

The contest, now in its 14th year, is sponsored by North Wiltshire District Council.

The event attracts many entries in six categories, which include best front garden, front container garden, pub/hotel, commercial establishment, public building, and street.

The judges see an impressive array of floral displays, from a simple arrangement in a window box, to a full street display, when they make their rounds in August and say the standards continue to rise each year.

The winner of each entry receives a cash prize of £100, as well as a framed certificate, while the runners-up in each category receive £60 and £30 respectively, as well as a certificate.

The awards will be presented at a buffet evening at the Olympiad, Chippenham in September.

Anyone interested in taking part in the competition can obtain an entry form from the district council on (01249) 706666 or via their parish or town council.

The closing date for entries is August 1.