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This is being introduced as a category in a new Manchester in Bloom competition which will also be looking for the best garden, pub or cafe, residential street, shop front, shopping parade, patio, window box, balcony, park, community group effort and school effort.

Competition winners will receive up to ?250 worth of gardening vouchers plus a certificate to be presented at a special awards ceremony at Manchester Town Hall in September.

Entries for the competition need to be submitted by 31 July 2001 and judging will take place in August.

Cash grants of up to ?2,000 are available for community groups to fund local projects and every school is guaranteed ?250 for a planting scheme.

Local residents are being encouraged to put up hanging baskets, businesses can sponsor a flowering feature and schools will be able to sow seeds and plant tubs.

Councillor Martin Pagel, deputy leader of Manchester City Council, said: "We hope the competition will help inspire people to join our campaign to get Manchester blooming with flowers.

"We are confident that Manchester can win the Britain in Bloom title this year, with the help, enthusiasm and commitment of local residents. The opportunity is there for everyone to do their bit to make our city a more attractive place."

For competition details and an application form or to find out how you can apply for a grant call 0161 718 4800.