SHOPS and businesses are asked to help add a splash of colour to the streets of Bolton this summer by supporting the town's entry in the annual Britain in Bloom contest.

Bolton hopes to be on the scent of victory with a blooming array of flowers, plants and shrubs in its bid to win the regional heat of the competition.

The Council's Leisure Services Department is co-ordinating the contest and will be supplying hanging baskets and seasonal beds to brighten up the town's buildings and open spaces.

But that alone will not be enough for success - and now the people of Bolton are being urged to get into the spirit of things.

Chairman of the Leisure Services Committee, Cllr Gerald Riley explained: "Our aim is to get people to brighten the town. We are encouraging people to put on a good show to help promote the Borough.

"Having more flowers around the town centre will not only help us in the regional and national parts of the competition, but it makes the town more appealing to visitors and it will help attract people to Bolton."

Businesses who have already provided their own displays of hanging baskets and troughs are the Swan Hotel, Pierre Victoire, the Hen and Chickens pub and Cottons pub.

Cllr Riley added: "More baskets and troughs will appear soon, but we want to encourage those who aren't yet involved to make their contribution."

Last year Bolton was awarded the Rolls Royce Trophy for town centre partnership efforts, and this year it will take a mammoth effort to improve on that achievement.

British Telecom is once again helping support Bolton in Bloom, and any other businesses interested in sponsoring the event should telephone Maria Appleton on 01204 522311 ext 3131.

Town centre shops and businesses can buy hanging baskets or have them filled from Barton Grange Garden Centre at competitive prices, but orders must be in before May 23.

In addition, the BEN is again promoting the annual gardening competition, in which all Bolton residents are welcome to enter, no matter what the size of garden.

Closing dates for entries will be June 26, and further information on categories will be featured in coming weeks in the BEN. ANYONE keen to try their hand at making their own creations should visit a special Council Open Day, linked to Environment Week, in Victoria Square on May 23, 10am to 2pm, when there will be live demonstrations illustrating how to prepare hanging baskets. Booklets and tips will be handed out free.

Youngsters are also given the chance to take part in the gardening activities, with a specially organised Greenfingers Challenge taking place as part of Bolton in Bloom.

Children aged up to 11 years, and from 12 to 18 years are invited to participate in their respective categories. Youngsters can work in groups or as individuals and are asked to think of a scheme to improve their environment.

Projects must be drawn up and submitted, including notes and a photographic record, by Friday, June 19.

Anyone interested should contact: The Bolton in Bloom Greenfingers Challenge, c/o People and Places Programme, Environmental Management Unit, Milton House, Wellington Street, Bolton BL3 5DG. Alan Roberts, from British Telecom, proudly launches the Bolton In Bloom contest amid the blaze of colour adorning the flower beds around the Town Hall. Live demo to help you

be a winner Last year's BEN gardening champions, Harry Hilton and Norman Hart are pictured showing off their winning entries for 'Best Small Garden' and 'Best Large Garden' respectively. SHOPS and businesses are asked to help add a splash of colour to the streets of Bolton this summer by supporting the town's entry in the annual Britain in Bloom contest.

Bolton hopes to be on the scent of victory with a blooming array of flowers, plants and shrubs in its bid to win the regional heat of the competition.

The Council's Leisure Services Department is co-ordinating the contest and will be supplying hanging baskets and seasonal beds to brighten up the town's buildings and open spaces.

But that alone will not be enough for success - and now the people of Bolton are being urged to get into the spirit of things.

Chairman of the Leisure Services Committee, Cllr Gerald Riley explained: "Our aim is to get people to brighten the town. We are encouraging people to put on a good show to help promote the Borough.

"Having more flowers around the town centre will not only help us in the regional and national parts of the competition, but it makes the town more appealing to visitors and it will help attract people to Bolton."

Businesses who have already provided their own displays of hanging baskets and troughs are the Swan Hotel, Pierre Victoire, the Hen and Chickens pub and Cottons pub.

Cllr Riley added: "More baskets and troughs will appear soon, but we want to encourage those who aren't yet involved to make their contri- bution."

Last year Bolton was awarded the Rolls Royce Trophy for town centre partnership efforts, and this year it will take a mammoth effort to improve on that achievement.

British Telecom is once again helping support Bolton in Bloom, and any other businesses interested in sponsoring the event should telephone Maria Appleton on 01204 522311 ext 3131.

Town centre shops and businesses can buy hanging baskets or have them filled from Barton Grange Garden Centre at competitive prices, but orders must be in before May 23.

In addition, the BEN is again promoting the annual gardening competition, in which all Bolton residents are welcome to enter, no matter what the size of garden.

Closing dates for entries will be June 26, and further information on categories will be featured in coming weeks in the BEN.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.