THE PUBLICAN of an East End boozer is encouraging people to get gardening and brighten up Tower Hamlets. Green-fingered Pat Burns who is the landlord of the George in Glengall Grove on the Isle of Dogs scooped the top prize in last year s Tower Hamlets

THE PUBLICAN of an East End boozer is encouraging people to get gardening and brighten up Tower Hamlets.

Green-fingered Pat Burns who is the landlord of the George in Glengall Grove on the Isle of Dogs scooped the top prize in last year's Tower Hamlets in Bloom award in the pubs, small businesses and restaurants category last year.

He said: "It's lovely to have an outside space, and the better it looks the more popular it is. Putting hanging baskets outside can have a knock-on effect for a whole area - all of a sudden creating a bright and beautiful street."

Anyone who wants to give Pat a run for his money is urged to cheer up their patch of Tower Hamlets.

The contest is run by the council as part of the national In Bloom campaign.

Entries are open from 10 May and the competition will be judged towards the end of June with application forms available from 'green space' officer Graeme Shimmin on 020 7364 3929 or graeme.shimmin@towerhamlets.gov.uk