COLOURFUL plant displays will be springing up across Fenland as green fingered competitors prepare to take part in the 2013 Anglia In Bloom Campaign.

The event, which attracts entries from villages and towns across the Anglia region, was this week officially launched in Chatteris.

This year’s theme is Edible Britain which is encouraging people to get back to basics and grow their own herbs, fruit and vegetables.

Stephanie Eynon, of the Royal Horticultural Society, said: “Britain in Bloom isn’t just about pretty hanging baskets brightening up gloomy streets.

“It’s about improving the environment, enhancing lives and bringing communities together through gardening.”

Anglia In Bloom 2013 was launched with the planting of a silver birch tree that completed a newly developed garden area in the town centre.

Chairman of the committee Bob Ollier said he was looking forward to seeing a range of displays from some 70 areas across six counties.

Taking part locally will be Wisbech, March, Whittlesey, Chatteris, Manea, Parsons Drove, Benwick and Waterlees at Wisbech.

“It’s an unusual theme but has lots of scope for tonal range of colours in salads, vegetables and herbs, it’s going to be interesting to see what people come up with,” Mr Ollier said.

Britain in Bloom has been running since 1964 and has grown in interest in the 49 years since it was launched.

It is expected that 2,000 edible gardens will be created in public spaces for this year’s event.

Closing date for entries is April and judging takes place throughout July.