THE hunt is on for Hereford’s best front gardens.

Hereford in Bloom’s competition – in conjunction with Radway Garden Centre – aims to brighten up the city and help earn the group a coveted gold award in the Britain in Bloom contest.

Winners will receive a £200 gardening voucher while there is a £100 voucher on offer for the runner-up and £50 for third place.

And according to the Royal Horticultural Society, towns winning a gold medal can expect visitor numbers to increase by up to 17 per cent.

In a bid to hold on to last year's gold, Hereford in Bloom has also launched a competition to find the best business gardens or floral display.

Sponsored by Country Gardens, Wellington, winners will receive a trophy and a £100 Country Gardens voucher.

There will be £50 on offer for the runner-up and £25 for third place. Firms can submit their own entry or the public can nominate their favourite display.

Entries for both competitions can be sent to trevor.swindells@btinternet.com