THE annual hunt is on to find the borough's best gardeners.

Now in its third year, Wigan and Leigh Housing's competition is one of the highlights of the calendar for Leigh's hordes of horticulturalists.

The previous two years have seen more than 230 fans planting, weeding, mowing and pruning away to get their gardens ready for that all-important visit from the judging panel.

There are seven categories to be judged this year: best overall garden, recognition award, most Improved garden, best private garden, best hanging basket, balcony or container, best communal garden and best young gardener.

The top three in each section will win a prize and the winners will go forward to the borough-wide finals.

Last year's overall winner was Higher Folds' Mavis Palmer who took the top-spot for her classic combination of colourful floral displays, manicured lawn and top-notch design.

Housing chiefs are convinced that the contest is already helping to drive up the standard of gardens across the borough.

Chief Executive Peter Gee said: "The competition isn't meant for experts and it doesn't matter if garden's are big or small, or just containers or a hanging basket - there's a category for everybody. We hope that people will enjoy taking part in the competition and take great satisfaction from what they find they are able to achieve. Judging takes place in mid-June."

Entry forms are available at WALH Area Housing Offices from March 29 or via the internet at - www.walh.co.uk

More information is available from tenant participation officers Simon Maxwell on 0800 0321451 or Paul Harrison on 0800 3897652.