THERE is still time for churches to be entered in a competition to find Britain's best-kept churchyard.

The contest, run by Ecclesiastical Insurance, has a first prize of £1,000 and second and third prizes of £500 and £200. It is open to churches of all denominations.

In addition, the top 12 finalists will be featured in the insurance firm's 2005 calendar.

Organiser Sarah Iles said: "We're looking for beauty, but also for brains.

"Many of the entries we've received so far show that a lot of thought and imagination are going into the design of many churchyards." The closing date for entries is June 30.

Entry forms can be found at www.ecclesiastical.co.uk/church/competitions or obtained from Ms Iles on 01452 334530 or help@eigmail.com