THE town looks set to blossom as Bracknell in Bloom kicks off its 2013 campaign.

This year the initiative will start by showing members of the public how easy it is to grow fruit and vegetables almost anywhere.

Residents are invited to an Incredible Edible Hanging Basket event this Saturday, April 27, from 10.30am-1.30pm, at Easthampstead and Wildridings Community Centre, in Rectory Lane.

Participants will get the chance to make a free basket, speak to local experts and exchange seeds.

On Friday, May 3, members will hold a 'Lunch and Learn' session between noon-2pm at the bandstand in Bracknell High Street, to give shoppers information on growing edible plants.

Bracknell Your Gardens - the annual public horticultural competition for Bracknell residents, businesses, schools and community groups - will also be launched at this event.

Visitors will be able to pick up an application form for Your Gardens on the day.

They will also be available from the Bracknell Town Council offices, in Brooke House, from that date.

Allan Moffat, chairman of the Bracknell in Bloom committee, said: "2013 is an exciting year for Bracknell in Bloom and we hope as many people as possible will get involved with this year's campaign. We are looking forward to spreading the word about how easy it is to grow herbs, fruit and vegetables almost anywhere." Bracknell in Bloom has also been selected from more than 1,000 entrants to represent the Thames and Chilterns in the RHS Britain in Bloom Finals 2013.

The town will compete in the 'small city' category alongside Bath, Bury, Colchester, Derry City, Grimsby and Shrewsbury.

Judging will take place in July and August.

For more information about the Bracknell in Bloom campaign or to get some handy horticultural tips, see www.facebook.com/BracknellInBloom