SUNSHINE and showers are helping entries in this year's Examiner's Sky High Sunflower Campaign grow and grow.

Almost 200 youngsters have now registered to join this year's campaign, which aims to get glorious sunflowers springing up all over the town.

The girls of the 74th Parkwood Brownies are among the latest groups to register for the campaign, which is again being run with Kirkwood Hospice to help raise money.

Last year's campaign raised £1,600 for patient care at the Dalton hospice.

The Brownies have planted their sunflower seeds and are watering them regularly, to make sure they grow into strong plants which can be planted outside or in pots.

Also registering for this year's campaign are 90 pupils from Wilberlee Junior and Infant School, Slaithwaite.

And 20 youngsters from the 1st New Mill Brownies are also taking part.

Meltham sisters Jessica, Leah and Bethany Croxford - who were third in last year's competition - are trying their hands again this year and hope to take the title.

Their sunflower last year grew to 233cm - 7ft 9in.

Last year's winner, Hannah Mitchell, of Golcar, grew a 240cm sunflower - nearly 8ft. She also raised £72 in sponsorship for the hospice.

Milnsbridge company Cobwood Trophies have again agreed to sponsor this year's competition by giving trophies for prizewinners.

Armitage's garden centres are also giving prizes to the green-fingered winners.

And there's still time to take part in this year's campaign.

Phone Kate Leadbeater at the hospice on 01484 557911 for a pack including seeds, top tips on growing a sunflower and a sponsorship form to get parents, grandparents, friends and relatives to sponsor you for every 10cm - 4in - that your sunflower grows.

More information is available from Hazel Ettienne at the Examiner on 01484 437771.