The competition, which is open to all 2010 Rotherham customers, was launched at the Garden Lovers’ Fayre, held in Rotherham town centre on 29th and 30th May.

The aim is to reward those tenants and leaseholders who make a real difference to their areas by taking pride in their gardens.

A competition will be held in each of the town’s seven assembly areas – Wentworth North, Wentworth South, Rotherham North, Rotherham South, Wentworth Valley, Rother Valley South and Rother Valley West.

There will be three categories in each competition, a) best entrant aged under 25 years, b) best entrant aged 25-65, and c) best entrant aged 65 and over.

The winner of each category will receive a prize of £50 and will then be entered into a borough-wide Best in Show category, with the overall winner receiving an additional prize of £100.

The competition will be judged in August 2009 by a panel made up of representatives from the local Area Housing Panel, 2010 Rotherham, and Rotherham Council’s Environment and Development Services department.

Local councillor and Swallownest tenant, Councillor Hilda Jack, said: “The Garden Competition is an excellent idea. It’s a real incentive for people to take care of their gardens and keep our estates looking nice.”

2010 Rotherham Safer Estates Manager, Andrew Leigh, said: “Many of 2010 Rotherham’s customers take a great deal of pride in their gardens, which in turn improves the image of the area as a whole and makes Rotherham a more attractive place to live and visit.

“We decided to introduce the Garden Competition as a way of recognising the hard work of these customers, which will hopefully encourage other budding gardeners to do the same.”

The closing date for entries is 1st July 2009. Entry forms are available from Neighbourhood Offices or libraries, or can be downladed here. Alternatively, click here to enter online.