VOLUNTEERS have been diligently working away through the lockdown to ensure Sandown blooms as brightly this year as ever.

Sandown Green Town Volunteers have been working flowerbeds and plants around the town as the Sandown in Bloom competition returns with a twist.

Christine Jackson, of Sandown Community Association, said: "The South and South East in Bloom’s competitions are going ahead this year and again Sandown will be entering the small coastal town category.

"It will be a ‘desktop’ version so in July volunteers will be out and about photographing the best of Sandown in Bloom. The work of local residents and businesses is vital to our entry.

"Hopefully doing well will lead to Sandown being nominated as a Britain in Bloom finalist for 2021.

"Flowers and gardening are increasingly being appreciated as promoting good health.

"In a tourist resort it is vital to attracting and retaining visitors to the town and the floral exhibits are seen as life enhancing.

"We know that the work that we do brings a smile to people’s faces."

The catagories are:

1.Best shop window

2.Best business frontage

3.Best small front garden (under 3 metres.)

4.Best large front garden (over 3 metres.)

5.Best hotel/guest house frontage

6.Best care home frontage

7.Best initiative involving young people

Entrants are asked to get their photos in by July 7 by emailing them to sandownca@gmail.com