KEEN gardeners will be able to show off their skills by taking part in an open day and annual garden competition.

The Richmond Garden Competition, organised by Richmond Town Council, will be judged on Wednesday, June 15 and has four categories - large gardens, small and medium sized gardens, caravan and patio gardens and public houses and commercial premises.

Gardening vouchers will be awarded to the winners in each category and a trophy will be presented to the overall winner.

Gardeners must enter the competition by Friday, June 3 and entry forms are available from Richmond Town Hall.

Gardeners are also invited to take part in Richmond Open Gardens, which will be held on Sunday, June 19, whether they entering the competition or not.

Organisers hope 20 gardens around the town will be open to the public between 1pm and 6pm.

All money raised from the event will go to the Richmond Open Spaces Appeal and The Station.

Barry Heap, Mayor of Richmond, said: "The competition and Richmond Open Gardens are a great opportunity to celebrate the hard work of some of the talented and enthusiastic gardeners here in Richmond.

"We hope that many people will enter the competition, and many more enjoy the open gardens a few days later."

Prizes for the winners of competition will be given out at the First Fruits Ceremony on Saturday, September 10.