The Borough Council is seeking last-minute entries for its annual Summer Best Garden Competition, with £500 of Heighley Gate Garden Centre vouchers up for grabs for the overall winner.

A trophy and £200 of vouchers will be given to each of the winners in the best extra large garden, large garden, small garden, business garden and community garden categories, with £100 of vouchers presented to the runners-up.

To help entrants prepare for judging, Castle Morpeth gardening guru Stan Timmins, who presents a spot on BBC Radio Newcastle, has issued a list of top tips.

They include:

• Keep a record of the work you have done in the garden and planting lists.

• Keep it simple.

• Make it environmentally-friendly, with recycling, composting, water butts and wildlife space.

• Think about the design. What is the garden's purpose? Be creative and original.

• Consider your lifestyle. How much work you can put into the plot?

• Reflect your interests. If you like good food grow herbs, fruit or vegetables.

• Make sure it is safe and accessible.

• Satisfy the five senses.

• Consider year-round use with planting, colour, structure and form.

• Think about sustainability.

The competition is open to all Borough residents, apart from members or employees of Castle Morpeth Council.

Initial judging will take place on July 23 and 24, with final judging on August 7.

To obtain an application form, log onto www.castlemorpeth.gov.uk or pick one up from First Call in Bridge Street, Morpeth, or Heighley Gate Garden Centre. Alternatively, call Customer Services on 01670 535000.

Entry forms should be returned by Wednesday, July 16 to Susanne Williams, Castle Morpeth Council, Green and Clean Services, Coopies Lane, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 6JT.