HERE they are – the eight entrants in our competition to win a £5,000 makeover for a local community garden or open space.

Schools, charities, youth and community groups from across Hampshire have entered our contest, run with leading groundworks contractor Tithegrove.

From run-down corners of playgrounds at schools to overgrown gardens – they have all made their case to win the makeover.

The competition was launched as Tithegrove is expanding its work into Hampshire, with new offices set up in Winchester and a big recruitment drive under way.

Tithegrove, a forward-thinking company with more than 30 years of experience in delivering outstanding groundworks and landscaping, is offering the makeover worth £5,000 to the lucky winner.

Local community groups, charities, schools and churches were all invited to apply to the competition.

A judging panel from Tithegrove will decide the winner.

Tithegrove will then put in its significant resources and know-how to transform the garden or open space.

The company was founded in Swindon in 1984 and has built up a strong reputation across Wiltshire and Somerset, working with a range of housebuilders, including Taylor Wimpey, Persimmon Homes and Linden Homes.

In recent years the firm has gone from strength to strength, opening its new office at The Cavendish Centre, in Winchester, last year.

The firm is currently working on a major housebuilding scheme in Basingstoke and is now looking to recruit from the Southampton, Winchester and Basingstoke communities as it expands further.

Greg Tucker, regional director of Tithegrove, said: “We are delighted to have received so many nominations for our garden makeover competition.

“We have had some really varied nominations, including schools, churches and community centres, and some of their stories have been very moving to read.

“We are keen to make a difference. So the winning project is likely to be where our team can have the biggest impact. It’s going to be a very difficult decision for our judging panel!”

Following the judging process, Tithegrove will announce the winner later this year.