MALTON has won a silver award in the town’s first entry in the Yorkshire in Bloom contest.

The Silver Gilt Award was presented to members of Malton in Bloom at an awards ceremony at York Race Course attended by over 450 participants representing North, East and South Yorkshire.

Judges, Jo Birch and Paul Martin visited Malton in July and the tour of the floral displays was hosted by Mayor Paul Andrews, along with Christopher Turner and Elizabeth Parlett Rhodes from Malton in Bloom.

Volunteers from Malton Flower Club, Derwent Diggers, Malton and Norton Tidy Group, Malton WI, Malton and Norton Lions, Friends of St. Michael’s Church, Malton School and Paul Tate-Smith were also on hand to talk to the judges on the day.

Malton’s entry was judged on community involvement, environment and horticulture,securing 78 points out of a maximum 100.

As well as the hanging baskets and planters around Malton town centre, the project saw floral displays on Railway Street bridge and planting at the railway station, Water Lane car park, St Leonard’s garden, Newbiggin seating area, the war memorial, four new entrance signs and the schools.

Ms Birch said “The community in Malton have really pulled together under the In Bloom banner and are making incredible inroads to enhancing and improving their busy market town.

"We were impressed with the blaze of colour, support from local businesses, Malton Town Council, Norton Town Council, Streetscene and the Fitzwilliam Estate are to be commended."

She added: “We were impressed with the developments at the War Memorial Garden and the involvement of the Royal Air Cadets, the flower girls, WI and Malton and Norton Tidy Group, making this area a focal point at the entrance to the town.

"Well done to Malton in Bloom’s first time entry, they are definitely one to watch.”

A spokesperson for Malton in Bloom, said: “The success of Malton in Bloom would not be possible without support from our local councils, along with numerous sponsors, businesses and volunteers.

"Work has already started for the winter season, with planning for summer 2018 well underway."

To fine out more find Malton in Bloom on Facebook, Twitter or go to maltoninbloom.co.uk.