THE annual Horwich in Bloom competition has been cancelled due to a shortage of staff and a lack of entries.

The gardening competition, which has been held for more than 20 years, usually takes place every summer.

But recently the decision was made by Horwich Town Council to call off the contest.

A spokesman from the town council said: "Horwich in Bloom has been running now for over twenty years years by a group of councillors and green fingered volunteers with the aim of bringing colour to the overall street scene.

"For the past three-four years the number of entries has remained at a constantly low level, mainly been supported by nominations for the Horwich in Bloom Committee members.

"However this year the competition has been affected by shortage of staff resources and we had received a very low amount of entrants to justify continuing with the competition. The town council had no other alternative other than to cancel this years competition.

"We are unable to comment on the possibility of a future competition being held at this current moment."

The authority's focus has now shifted to the Annual Home and Produce Show, which will be going ahead on September 8.

The event will be bigger than ever, with an added children's section in which youngster can enter with decorated fairy cakes or biscuits as well as with a photograph of an animal or the outside.

It will be held at the Horwich Community Centre.

For more information, call 01204 691090 or go to horwich.gov.uk