COMMUNITY groups and budding gardeners are invited to find out more about the annual Cornwall in Bloom competition at a free event in Liskeard this Saturday. Green fingered experts will be on hand at Morley Tamblyn Lodge between 10am and 3pm to give advice on planting and grant funding available to groups wanting to improve their neighbourhoods.

Tracy Wilson MBE, a judge for Cornwall in Bloom, urged people to go along and said: 'The opportunity for people from right across Cornwall, involved in such a hugely diverse range of projects, to get together is so valuable.

'Not only will there be a lot of very useful information available, but the chance to swap experiences is almost equally important.'

Run by Cornwall Council and Truro City Council, the Cornwall in Bloom competition has encouraged many to give their gardens and open spaces a makeover. A range of projects have been set up including woodland groups and allotment societies. This year, the event will include a schools' competition to encourage youngsters to grow as many potatoes as they can from a single seed potato.

Attendees will have an opportunity to tour the grounds of Morley Tamblyn Lodge, and enjoy a free lunch. The lodge has over eight acres of gardens including a Victorian ornamental pond.

Judging for the competition takes place during July and August.

For more information about Cornwall in Bloom or to register your attendance contact Jackie Mace on 0300 1234 100.