A NORTH Yorkshire town has won a top prize for its floral displays.
Malton in Bloom won the Golden Rose Award Category for the best entry in Yorkshire, at the Yorkshire in Bloom Awards Ceremony, held last Thursday.
Last year Malton in Bloom won the best entry in the North Yorkshire which gave the town the right to go head to head against the winners of West, East and South Yorkshire.
A spokesperson for Malton in Bloom said: "The success is testament to all our hard working volunteers, working tirelessly throughout the year, often behind the scenes, looking after the floral beds, growing plants, dead heading, picking up litter, and much more.
"The well stocked floral displays have looked magnificent around the town this year basking in the glorious Summer sunshine.
"The Chair of Yorkshire in Bloom made special mention of our waterer, Gillian, for keeping the flowers watered and looking so good in this long harsh Summer.
"The judge in the narrative also praised the cleanliness of the town, so thanks go to our Town Ranger Steve, to the Malton and Norton Tidy Group and Streetscene.
"Malton in Bloom would like to thank all of its supporters and kind donors for helping make this achievement possible."
The annual Yorkshire in Bloom competition encourages communities of whatever size to make a positive and lasting improvement to their local environment.
North Yorkshire Council works with community groups to support submissions, along with entering its own sites, with judging taking place in July.
Platinum awards were handed to Valley Gardens in Harrogate, Knaresborough Castle, Conyngham Hall in Knaresborough, as well as South Cliff Gardens and Peasholm Park in Scarborough. Ripon Spa Gardens and Friary Gardens in Richmond secured gold awards.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for parks and grounds, Cllr Malcolm Taylor, said: “We would like to congratulate the hard work of our parks team as well as volunteer groups who dedicate their time to keep green spaces tidy.
“The annual awards encourage and develop community spirit and civic pride whilst promoting responsibility for planting, cleanliness and maintenance.
“In turn, this can boost the local economy through increased tourism, encourages voluntary work and cooperation between community groups, and helps to address issues such as sustainability, recycling, minimising waste and energy conservation.”
Yorkshire in Bloom is the regional body representing the Britain in Bloom campaign that is organised by the Royal Horticultural Society.
The three judging priorities are horticultural achievement, environmental responsibility and community participation.
If you would like to become part of our Malton in Bloom's award-winning team contact Tim Hicks on deputy.clerk@malton-tc.gov.uk