FLOWERS were blooming in the region as North Lincolnshire Homes' seco nd annual Gardening Competition proved a success.

There were about 50 entries to this year's celebration of tenant horticulture, with gardens showing off a variety of flowers and shrubs.

Four categories were judged, including Best Kept Garden, Best Community Garden, Best Container or Hanging Basket and Vegetable Garden.

Judged by Community Voice members Terry Chatwin and Mary Southgate, and independent judge Barry Cottis, of the Healey Road Allotment Society, the quality of entrants meant it proved a difficult task picking the winners.

Lisa Fleming, public relations manager at North Lincolnshire Homes, said: "Following on from last year's success, when the competition was launched, this year we were once again impressed at the talents of our tenants.

"I know the gardens were very difficult to judge. There was amazing colour, quality plants and design skills on show.

"We clearly have a green-fingered bunch here at North Lincolnshire Homes and all the entrants deserve huge congratulations."

The entries were marked on their design, quality, maintenance and overall impact.

High street vouchers worth £75 were awarded to first places and £35 to the runners-up.

Prize winners included first place for Maurice Betts, from South Killingholme, for Best Kept Garden, while the runner-up prize went to Jackie Petherbridge, from Barton-Upon-Humber.

Other prizes included first place for Best Community Garden, which went to Wells Court residents in Broughton, while the runner-up spot went to John Linton, from Broughton.

THRILLSEEKERS looking for a new adrenalin fix are being ca lled upon to take to the skies and help fund vital breast cancer research by taking part in a sponsored skydive in Hibaldstow, near Brigg.

Breast Cancer Campaign is calling on all thrillseekers to have a go at the once-in-a lifetime experience and free-fall through the clouds at 120mph while helping the 45,500 women and 300 men that are diagnosed with breast cancer every year.

Solo jumps are available at Target Sky Sports on the Hibaldstow Airfield to satisfy daredevils, along with tandem jumps for anyone who is not quite ready to go it alone.

Sponsorship targets start at £360, but vary depending on jump to jump.

All training takes place on the day and jumpers can participate for free, providing the minimum sponsorship is met.

Cash raised will go toward Breast Cancer Campaign, which aims to beat breast cancer by funding innovative world-class research.

For more information, or for details about any of the charity's fundraising events, call (0207) 7494125, email adventuresports@ breastcancercampaign.org or visit www.breastcancercampaign.org