A final call is being made for keen gardeners to enter this year’s garden and allotment competition.

The deadline for entries into the Melplash Agricultural Society competition is June 12 and is open to all residents within a 12-mile radius of Melplash church.

The society’s garden and allotment competition is an opportunity for local residents to be rewarded for their creative skills and passion for gardening.

Gardens and allotments of any size can be entered for free and there will be prizes for the best large, medium and small garden, the best allotment and the overall winner.

The only stipulation is that a gardener is not employed for more than eight hours a week.

Peter Yeates, horticultural section chairman, said: “The society’s garden competition, now in its 26th year, has been a great success since its inception.

“You don’t need to be an expert gardener to enter, or even need a big garden, as it is all about how well you use the space that you have. It is open to everyone.

“If you are proud of what you have achieved, please do seriously think about entering and get recognised for your hard work and horticultural talents.”

Sponsoring the competition this year is W James and Co, manufacturers of fruit and vegetable nets and garden netting based at Gore Cross.

Judging takes place on June 18 and 19 with the winners of each category being presented with their prizes at the Melplash Agricultural Show in the horticultural marquee on Thursday, August 22.

For more information and to enter the competition, visit www.melplashshow.co.uk, call 01308 423337 or email office@melplashshow.co.uk