A COMMUNITY campaign to encourage residents and visitors to take pride in the town has been launched.

Make Southend Sparkle has already seen volunteers around the borough clearing litter from parks, beaches and streets, planting shrubs and sprucing up public spaces.

It is now launching a competition to give local residents, schools, groups, allotment holders and businesses the opportunity to show off their talents, whilst simultaneously making Southend sparkle.

Taking place during the first two weeks of July, the competition is calling on residents use their talents to brighten up the boroughs streets.

Categories including best hanging basket, best business floral frontage and best community area.

There is a special category for Southend’s allotment holders and many more.

The competition will give local residents and businesses a chance to get their hands dirty and do something good for the town.

They will also have the possibility of walking away with a prestigious award.

Ann Holland, councillor responsible for culture, tourism and the economy, welcomed the competition.

She said: “Since its official launch, Make Southend Sparkle has seen more than 150 volunteers – both residents and people employed by local businesses – give up their free time to help make Southend a great place for everyone who lives in, works in or visits our beautiful Borough.

“This competition aims to widen the reach of the campaign, encouraging local people to get their hands dirty to make the most of their own forecourts and spruce up their own streets.”

Mrs Holland added: “Whether you rent or own your property, whether you wish to enter a simple hanging basket or the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, there is a category to match your budget and ambition.”

Local residents and businesses are also being invited to participate in a Summer Flower and Gardening Festival to celebrate 125 years of Southend as a borough.

This event will take place at Priory Historic House, in Priory Park, from Friday, August 25 until Thursday, August 31.

Categories include best basket of vegetables, funniest mis-shaped vegetable, best carved fruit or veg arrangement and more.

Entries must be at Priory Park on August 28 between 9am - 11am.

Entries for the Make Southend Sparkle competition must be made by July 3.

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on Tuesday, September 5.

For more information about the two week competition, visit southend.gov.uk/gardencompetition