IF you live in a flat or have limited access to a garden, owning an allotment is a great way to maintain your own outdoor space, whether its to grow vegetables, exercise those green fingers or just relax.

You might also be in with a chance of winning something, as this year’s Bexley in Bloom competition has introduced five new categories involving allotments, being run by the Bexley Federation of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners.

The categories are:

- Best Plot - Do you have the best allotment plot in Bexley? It should be pest, disease and weed free and should have plants, vegetables and fruits all year round. It should also be tidy and have good compost production and soil cultivation.

- Best Site - Does your site deserve the title of Best Site? All or most plots being worked, a good working community spirit and good facilities on site are all important, plus how well maintained it is.

- Individual Wildlife Project - Do you have a wildlife project on your plot? Wildlife ponds, nest boxes, bird feeding stations, lady bird/lace wing nest sites, butterfly breeding areas and encouraging hedgehogs all count.

- Site Wildlife Project - Does your site have the best wildlife project? All of the above applies, but across your whole allotment site.

- Best Scarecrow - Can your young allotment gardener build the best scarecrow? This is for 14-year-olds and under only.

For each of the categories, first prize is a £30 voucher for Ruxley Manor Garden Centre, second a £20 voucher and third a £10 voucher. Judging will take place in the first week of July.

To enter any of the categories in this year’s Bexley in Bloom, simply complete this entry form and return it to Bexley In Bloom, Crayford Town Hall, 112 Crayford Road, Crayford, Kent, DA1 4ER. For further details, visit www.bexley.gov.uk