Green fingered Dartford residents can put their gardening skills to the test by taking part in the council's Gardening for Wildlife Award Scheme.

The scheme, launched this month, judges gardens, open spaces, playgrounds and balconies on their ability to attract wildlife.

Gardeners, schools and community groups can all enter the scheme and to give them a helping hand there is a free Go Wild in Your Garden information pack, containing advice on how to attract wildlife. The pack's information sheets include tips for companion planting and allotments.

Councillor Alex Dunn, portfolio holder for the environment, said: "The Gardening for Wildlife scheme provides residents with lots of information about how they can attract wildlife into their garden.

"Last year's scheme was very successful and many entrants used the information to make wildlife-friendly changes to their garden."

The possibility of picking up a wildlife award in the scheme is not the only incentive for gardeners in the area.

Spending money on the exterior of your property and the garden has the potential to boost its value considerably. Saga Insurance claims spending £500 pounds on improvements can amount to a £7,500 increase in the price of a home.

Entrants are assessed on a wide range of factors which help support wildlife such as amount of vegetation.

They will be rewarded with gold, silver, bronze or commended awards at a presentation ceremony at the end of the year.

To enter or request an information pack contact Sandra Woodfall on 01322 343056 or visit dartford.gov.uk.

The closing date is May 31.