THE organisers of this year's Evesham in Bloom competition are calling on Vale residents to show their town pride, after a disappointing number of entries so far.

This years competition will be judged on the week beginning August 14 but entry forms need to be in by Monday, July 24, if entrants are to stand any chance of winning.

Wendy Dyke, co-ordinator of Evesham in Bloom, said: "We have received less than ten entrants and there are ten categories so obviously we need more people to get involved.

"This competition has been very successful in the past and makes the town look very bright and colourful, so I urge people to enter as soon as possible."

It is especially important to the organisers that Evesham shows its true colours this year as the judging will be done by visitors from twin town, Evesham in New Jersey, USA.

Former organiser of Evesham in Bloom, Diana Raphael, thinks that some people are holding back from putting their own garden forward, so nominations are being encouraged.

She said: "Having spoken to residents, some believe that they should not enter themselves as it is not for them to say whether their garden is good or not.

"But we want as many people as possible to enter and also for others to nominate their friends or even a business or church with a nice flower arrangement outside."

Houses, shops, courtyards, churches, offices, pubs, cafe's, retirement homes and caravan parks are all able to enter.

Entry forms should be sent to Wendy Dyke, Moore House, Pershore Road, Evesham, WR11 2LT or they can be handed in to the Journal offices at Briar Close or the High Street.