SUMMER'S here and Fife Council is kicking off their Beautiful Fife Gardens Competition 2016.

This long standing annual competition is a celebration of all the hard work by individuals improving their own gardens or allotments and the displays throughout the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area see people win awards.

Provost Jim Leishman, the Lochgelly man who chairs the authority, is encouraging people to take part, he said: "Gardening is as popular as ever and it’s great to see so many people taking a pride in their gardens.

“I encourage all gardeners, young and old, to enter the competition.”

Fife Council Parks and Community Events Officer, Keith Jackson said: “This competition celebrates many different types of gardens. So whether you grow vegetables on your allotment or beautiful blooms in your hanging baskets, this competition has a category for you.

“Everybody taking part, providing they reach a minimum standard, receives a medal. This allows them to benchmark against themselves in order to maintain their standard or improve in future years.”

The judging will take place towards the end of July. The garden categories are:

Flower Formal, Flower Landscaped, Mixed Gardens, Vegetable Gardens, and Floral Baskets and Containers.

Application forms are available at: www.fifedirect.org.uk/beautifulfife by clicking on Beautiful Fife Gardens, or phone Margaret Mackenzie on 01592 583268.

All applications must be submitted by Friday June 24.