KEEN gardeners and budding artists across Kent are being called on to join forces and create eye-catching displays to help their towns and villages welcome the Tour de France on July 8.

Kent County Council and South and South East in Bloom organisers and have launched an exclusive Tour de France category for Kent this summer to encourage local community groups, schools and other organisations to put their artistic skills to the test and enhance the Tour's 126-mile route through the county.

"Kent is the Garden of England and the arrival of the Tour is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the county to the world's media," said the head of South and South East in Bloom, Peter Holman.

"The judges will be looking for displays which have been created by community groups and organisations – such as local churches, schools or the WI – working alone or together and putting on displays which everyone can enjoy.

"It does not all have to be all about flowers and plants – the judges are always interested in alternative displays, including local art works, and something quirky to capture the imagination. And they are particularly keen on creative projects which have involved local people of all ages."

The Kent Messenger Group is the official media partner for the first stage, which will start in London on July 8 and is passing through the towns of Dartford, Gravesend, Medway, Maidstone, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Tenterden, Ashford and Canterbury.

Groups and organisations planning to enter for the prestigious South and South East in Bloom, sponsored by Southern Water, Tour de France Award need to register their entry before Friday, May 11.

The entries will be judged in the first week of July and the Kent Tour de France trophy will be presented at the Tour's First Stage finale in Canterbury on July 8.

Download entry form...