CALLING all Tavistock artists — you are needed to represent the town in this year's Royal Horticultural Society's Britain in Bloom South West art competition. Tavistock Garden Festival, run by the town council, is hosting the Tavistock heat of the competition and will be accepting entries at the festival on May 25 and 26. As Tavistock is 'growing for gold' at this year's RHS Britain in Bloom South West awards, and many community groups are taking part, it is now the turn of the people who are not so 'green-fingered' to get involved. The theme of this year's competition is Poppies to commemorate the start of the First World War in 1914. Lesley Reeves, event co-ordinator of the festival, wants local artists of all ages to put their skills to the test and get involved. She said: 'There is a schools' competition that is open to all Tavistock schools, and an adult competition that is open to anyone that lives or works in Tavistock. 'We want all sorts of people to get involved. This is more for people who aren't very green-fingered as they can get involved.' Tavistock mayor Cllr Harry Smith said: 'The painting competition is a chance for everyone , of all ages, to get involved with RHS Britain in Bloom. 'Each of the winners in our town heat will go on to represent Tavistock against the rest of the South West. This is another opportunity for Tavistock to again take first prize in a regional competition.' Age groups in the schools' categories are: up to 6; 7 to 11 years and 12 to 16 years. The maximum size is A3. In the adult category, pictures can be on any medium and the maximum size is A3. Artists are advised to put their name and contact details on the back, and hand to either Tavistock Garden Festival at the Arts and Crafts Hall on May 25 and 26 or to the Tavistock Town Council offices. The closing date for entries is May 30 and the winners will be announced at Tavi Arts Market on June 7. The winner in each category will go on to represent Tavistock in the main South West competition in July. Ms Reeves added that due to RHS in Bloom South West rules, artists should be aware that any winning entries into the competition are non-returnable. l For those who are green fingered or want to gain more knowledge on their garden and how to look after it, visit the garden festival. This year is the garden festival's tenth year and will be the biggest festival to date with new elements for all to enjoy. For inspiration there will be mini garden displays and demonstrations, expert horticultural advice will be available and the opportunity to indulge in retail therapy from the many garden and arts and crafts trade stands. The festival will be from 10am to 4pm both days and is free to enter.