Gardeners are being urged to dig for victory in the search for Littlehampton's green-fingered champions.

Littlehampton Town Council's annual gardens and allotments competition is run to recognise and reward the hard work so many of the town's gardeners put in.

Littlehampton town councillor John Singleton, chairman of the allotments sub-committee, said: "I think it is important to realise how something like this competition can play its part in promoting the town as a place that encourages pride in its environment and community."

Prizes will be awarded in the following categories: Small front garden, small back garden, large front garden, large back garden, communal garden, patio garden and commercial/industrial frontages.

The competition is sponsored by Fairhaven Plants, which is donating prize vouchers to be spent at its garden centre in Toddington Lane, Littlehampton.

Judging will take place in the week commencing July 1, with presentation celebrations to be held in the New Millennium Chamber at the Manor House in August.

Entry forms are available from the Littlehampton Town Council offices at the Manor House in Church Street and from Fairhaven Plants.

The closing date is June 20.