With more prizes up for grabs than ever before, the Gazette Glorious Gardens competition is the perfect chance to get your hands dirty and showcase your green-fingered skills.

Hundreds of pounds worth of prizes are ready and waiting for the eventual winner and two runners-up, including a £300 shed, courtesy of Timberline, for the winner.

Pamela McQueen, from Timberline, who has provided the top prize two years running, said: "We specialise in custom-made sheds, and I'm sure the winner will enjoy this fantastic prize. Good luck to everyone."

The runner up will receive will a £50 two-burner gas barbecue from B&Q, and the third prize is a £25 voucher for Asda.

Dozens of people entered last year, with the judges eventually settling on Margaret Hage's beautiful cottage garden in Whitburn.

The mother-of-two was nominated after turning a patch of rubble into a stunning oasis.

On winning last year's competition, Mrs Hage, from Front Street, Whitburn, said: "I expected a phone call to say 'better luck next time'. I certainly had no idea that I would win.

"I never even considered entering in the first place, it was only when my sister Moira put me forward that I couldn't say no.

"We keep the garden looking nice for ourselves, but it's always nice to get compliments, and recognition like this is great."

This year's judges include Gazette editor John Szymanski, gardening expert George Dunn, and Kevin Wallace, the council's environmental maintenance manager.

Mr John Szymanski said: "Once again we are launching our extremely popular search to find the best gardens in South Tyneside.

"With all the rain we have had recently, I am sure the gardens have never looked more inviting and attractive to the eye.

"I would urge everybody to enter to give themselves the chance of winning some great prizes."

Mr Dunn, who writes a column for the Gazette, said he will be looking for individuality from each entrant.

He added: "As a judge I am looking for colour, good quality plants, and gardens kept to a tidy, high standard, which are maintained well.

"I will also be keeping an eye out for any materials that have been, or can be recycled. This will get bonus points because it is very important."

Lisa Foster, from B&Q, said: "We are delighted to be able to contribute a prize to this year's competition.

"I'm sure the barbecue will look very good in the winner's garden."

Tracey Tough, events co-ordinator at Asda Boldon, said: "As always, we're happy to be on board for a competition which means a lot to the people of South Tyneside. May the best garden win!"

* To enter Gazette Glorious Gardens, click here to fill in an entry form.