Budding gardeners and nature enthusiasts are being invited to grow sunflowers as part of a fun competition. 

Goulds Garden Centre in Weymouth has partnered with ape rescue centre Monkey World near Wareham to launch the Goulds Great Sunflower Competition.

The competition, aimed at promoting animal and pollinator conservation, encourages budding gardeners across Weymouth and the surrounding areas to grow sunflowers and participate in a fun and rewarding initiative.

Free sunflower seed starter kits are being given away to help competitors get started.

Anyone who wishes to take part should visit Goulds Garden Centre in Littlemoor Road from March 1 to collect a free sunflower seed starter kit and get growing. The starter kits will only be available whilst stocks last.

Anthony Gould, director of Goulds Stores, said: "We are thrilled to launch the Goulds Great Sunflower Competition, and to partner with Monkey World to promote both animal and pollinator conservation.

"Your free sunflower starter kit will be ready for collection from the Garden Centre from March 1. Happy growing and good luck!”

The winners will be announced in August, with two chances to win family tickets to Monkey World.

The prize tickets will be awarded to the growers of the largest sunflower head and the tallest sunflower plant. Competitors will be asked to submit photographs of their champion sunflowers and a member of the Garden Centre team will verify the winning entry.

As a unique twist to the competition, participants are invited to bring their fully grown sunflowers to Goulds Garden Centre, between August 26 and September 1. From there, they will be transported to Monkey World to be fed to the primates as a nutritious snack.

Tom Honnor, Goulds Garden Centre Manager said: “Sunflowers are not only easy to grow, but they are also an important food source for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. When harvested, they will provide a nutritious snack for primates at Monkey World. By participating in this fun competition, gardeners and nature enthusiasts can make a meaningful difference in their community.”

Charlie Crowther of Monkey World said: “We are delighted to be part of this exciting competition with Goulds Garden Centre.

"At Monkey World, we feed sunflower seeds all the time as they are healthy and nutritious - but it is great to feed them straight off the plant as this gives the primates a fantastic, natural foraging activity! We have over 260 primates here at the park, so are always looking for new sources of browse, that hasn’t been treated by chemicals.”

Full competition details can be found on the events page at www.gouldsgc.co.uk or ask in-store at Goulds Garden Centre, Littlemoor Road, Weymouth.