Green-fingered residents in Stratton are preparing for their annual neighbourhood gardening competition.

Flowers, shrubs, bushes and bulbs are all being primed for the Stratton in Bloom 2003 contest.

And this year the field is wide open as three-times winner Michael Glastonbury is taking a well-deserved break from the competition.

Michael, 70, of Derwent Drive, won the front garden section last year for his beautiful array of colour and variety of plants.

"It's a good competition as it brightens up the neighbourhood," he said. "But I have been neglecting inside the house over the last few years so I need to concentrate on that for a while.

"It's hard work to get the garden looking right but it really pays off once it's all completed. When the garden is at its best, it gets quite a few admiring glances from people walking past.

"I'm not one for sitting around in a chair watching television. I prefer to be out doing things and gardening is something I've loved since I was a little boy."

Last year Michael, a former Rover production worker, won a caravan holiday at West Bay, in Bridport, donated by Greatfield Nurseries. "There are good prizes and people seem to enjoy taking part," he said.

"It brings the community together as well as making it look beautiful."

Caroline Buckland, deputy clerk at Stratton St Margaret parish council, said she was looking forward to seeing this year's entries.

"Some of the gardens are really beautiful and cheer up the area," she said. "The competition is also open to hanging baskets and front gardens without a lawn, so it does include everyone. All we ask is that the blooms can be seen from the road."

The closing date for entries is July 4.

Contact the parish council on 01793 823761 for more details including a full list of prizes.

Or call in at the offices at Addison Crescent, Upper Stratton.

Residents in Cricklade will also have a chance to show off their beautiful blooms.

The town council is organising a similar competition. The closing date is July 18. Call in at the council offices at 113, High Street, or call 01793 751394 for an entry form.