by Dan Bloom

With its boarded-up homes and problems with fly-tipping, it was never the most likely entrant for Britain in Bloom.

Yet a run-down Chatham street has entered for the prestigious award which is more often the preserve of leafy villages.

Residents around Magpie Hall Road, the centre of a "dispersal zone" last year thanks to anti-social behaviour, fancy their chances.

The All Saints Community Project is entering the It’s Your Neighbourhood scheme, where the most points are awarded for community spirit.

Project manager Linda Fiddyment, 59, said: "We recognise some people might not have gardening skills or time to spend watering. We’re looking to put in low-maintenance things like shrubs which will brighten up the area."

With time, the run-down part of Chatham could offer up a feast of food.

Residents are being offered a range of seeds to plant outside their homes, including tomatoes, strawberries, leeks, spinach, pumpkins, squashes and radishes.

Volunteer Diane Tippett, 47, said: "People can swap plants which is a way of getting to know each other. It’ll boost the community and their own self-esteem."

Lesley Fielding, 59, special needs co-ordinator at All Saints Primary School, said: "You can grow something from a packet of seeds that’ll save you a bit of cash."

Magpie Hall Road and All Saints were two of six places entered for the first time this year by garden designer Fern Alder, of Longley Road, Rochester.

Her neighbours won "outstanding" last year when she encouraged them to plant flowers in boots, car tyres and a bath as part of a project called Full Frontal.

She said: "This isn’t just about hanging baskets. That area of Chatham is very deprived so it could do with a bit of life."

Full Frontal members have dug into their own pockets giving £100 to each area, and £200 to Rochester High Street, before judges arrive this summer.

Also entering Britain in Bloom are Clive Road, Castle Avenue, the Vines park and two stretches of the High Street in Rochester, alongside Broomhill and Rede Common in Strood.