This year's Horley in Bloom Competition and its associated Photographic Competition has been launched.

The hotly-contended Bloom competition is marking its 20th year, while the Photographic Competition is being run for the second time.

In addition, the Court Lodge Residents Association and Horley Floral Art Group are once again arranging their separate competitions as part of Horley in Bloom.

The popular bloom competition is seeking entries from residents, schools and local businesses for its 11 categories.

They are for best residential front and back gardens, residential flat, best community, schools, allotments, pubs and commercial entries, including guest houses, and best hanging basket or planter, with awards also for the best newcomer to the competition and for the entry deemed by the judges to be the best example of a cottage garden.

A spokesman for the Horley in Bloom Committee said: “The committee is keen to maintain the progress of the competition, now in its 20th year, and we are delighted that the Photographic Competition, sponsored by Barratt Homes, will be taking place for the second year.

“There are categories for both children and adults, with attractive cash prizes for the winners.”

The spokesman added: “Horley has once again entered the South and South East in Bloom Competition and hopes to improve on the Silver Gilt Awards gained last year.”

Horley in Bloom entry forms and full details of the Photographic Competition are available from the Horley Town Council Offices in Albert Road, Horley, or can be downloaded from the town council's website at: www.horleysurrey-tc.gov.uk The closing date for entries is Monday, June 30, and mid-July for the Photographic Competition.

All prizes will be presented at the awards evening, due to be held at Regent Hall, Albert Road, Horley, on Friday, September 26.