CHAMPIONS in last year's Derby in Bloom have told of their disappointment that the annual gardening competition will not take place this year.

The scheme, which would have been in its 11th year, is open to residents from across the Derby area and includes categories for schools.

Derby City Council was forced to pull the contest after funding given to its parks management department, which runs Derby in Bloom, was not increased meaning there was not enough cash to run the popular competition.

But the authority said it would still be holding the allotment strand of the competition, which has already closed to entries and will be judged next month.

Tracy Nicholas, last year's winner of the best wildlife garden category, said many gardeners would be disappointed at the news.

She said: "I've entered the competition for the last three years and it was a really successful year for me last year – I was looking forward to taking part again this time.

"When I realised I hadn't received a registration form I went on the council website to have a look, but all it said was that the competition was not open.

"People who enter put a lot of effort into their gardens and I think they will all be disappointed to hear about it."

But the 45-year-old, of Willowcroft Road, Spondon, said she would not be put off from entering the competition next year.

She said: "It's a great competition and I really enjoy taking part so I'll be there next year – at least this means I get to keep hold of my trophy for a little while longer."

David and Melita Humphries, of Oakwood, entered Derby in Bloom for the first time last year and reached the top of the podium in the best newcomers category.

Mr Humphries, aged 61, said: "It's rather disappointing because the competition is something for gardeners of all abilities to get involved in.

"It's good fun as well – and helps brighten up the area."

The allotment competition was opened to sites from across Derby and categories include best site, most improved site, best vegetable or fruit garden and best scarecrow.

A spokesman for the council said it decided to keep that strand of Derby in Bloom after a boom in the popularity of sites over the last two years.

She said: "There is a big push on allotments and growing your own vegetables at a lot of people have been getting involved in that.

"The cancellation of most of this year's competition is down to a lack of resources and it will only be one year off – Derby in Bloom will be back next year."