Search on for the tallest sunflower

Let battle commence -  the deadline is looming for entries to Mid and East Antrim Borough In Bloom’s Tallest Sunflower Competition.

Mayor, Councillor Audrey Wales MBE, is asking young gardening enthusiasts who have not filled in their entry form to do so before 1 September, when entries close.

“In April Mid and East Antrim Borough Council distributed 5,000 packets of sunflower seed to schools across the Borough as part of the Mid and East Antrim In Bloom initiative," she said.

“We also distributed application forms with the seed packs and have been impressed by the number of applications and photos received to date,” she said.

Last year’s winner, Oliva Hadden (9), from Greenisland, is a hard act to follow as she grew a sunflower which was 3 metres 51cm tall.

Applicants should measure the size of their sunflower during the last week of August using a metric tape measure, complete the entry form and return by the 1 September.

Entrants to all the In Bloom Children's Community Competitions have the chance to win prizes. Winners will also be invited along to a prize giving ceremony in October.

Other In Bloom children’s competitions include the Painting Competition (Under 10), Painting Competition (16 and under), Poetry Competition and Best School Gardening Project. Entries for these competitions must be received by 30 September.

The address for all entries is Mid And East Antrim in Bloom, Museum & Civic Centre, Antrim Street, Carrickfergus BT38 7DG or email to inbloom@midandeastantrim.gov.uk.