ORGANISERS are hoping for sunny times ahead as they relaunch Abingdon’s annual floral spectacular.

Abingdon in Bloom (AiB), the annual gardening competition, is to be given an extra push this year after last year’s contest was washed out.

AiB committee chairman, town councillor Marilyn Badcock, said she was determined to inspire more than the nine entries she received last year.

She said: “People’s gardens are very important, it is where you go after a day’s work to relax.

“People love to show off their gardens as well, and they deserve praise for it.”

Last year’s competition was cancelled after the spring drought brought a hosepipe ban, which was then followed by a summer of rain.

This year anyone will be able to nominate a garden they think deserves recognition.

Gardening couple Dixon and Muriel Halliday, from Tatham Road, have enjoyed an illustrious run in the competition since first entering in 2000.

Mrs Halliday, 79, said: “It would be wonderful if it went ahead this year, we love to see all the plants.

“It is nice for the whole town.”

Categories this year are: best complete garden – including back and front gardens; best use of small space; best floral display using baskets or containers; best single basket or container; best wildlife garden; and nominate a garden.

The deadline for entering is June 21.

To get your application form or to nominate a neighbour visit the town council website abingdon.gov.uk or telephone 01235 522642