IPSWICH is going for gold and asking everyone to help make it a winner.Summer is just around the corner and what better time to start preparing for Ipswich in Bloom.

IPSWICH is going for gold and asking everyone to help make it a winner.

Summer is just around the corner and what better time to start preparing for Ipswich in Bloom.

Help bring a splash of colour and a sense of community by digging out your gardening gear and picking up your trowel.

The jubilee campaign was launched with the help of our very own golden girl, gold medal swimmer, Karen Pickering.

With the Queen's jubilee visit approaching and other celebrations following fast now is a great time to get involved.

The competition is strongly supported by The Evening Star and Ipswich Borough Council. Star brand manager Austen Dack said it is important that the whole town gets behind the competition.

"It is important on two accounts. One is to see the town looking good with all the flowers, hanging baskets and displays and secondly to brighten up the town for the Queen's visit on July 17."

This year is a chance for everyone on any scale to get involved and help brighten up your area.

You do not have to be green fingered and there are competitions for schools, children, and community groups.

This year the committee will also be encouraging people to nominate a neighbour. It could be an individual or a business near you which really stands out.

The competition will also help prepare the town for the Anglia in Bloom competition. When Ipswich will be judged against other areas in the region the same size.

It is a great chance for everyone to get involved and help make Ipswich somewhere to be proud of.

From a hanging basket to a full garden in flower there is a chance for everyone.

All winners receive certificates or prizes and will be invited to the annual awards ceremony in September.

If you would like an application form then you can call Austen Dack on Ipswich 282384. Or you can e-mail him on austen.dack@eveningstar.co.uk.