A TOURIST attraction has received a gold award in the annual Yorkshire in Bloom competition.

Yorkshire Lavender, near Terrington, was named joint category winner with York Racecourse in the visitor attraction section.

The Yorkshire in Bloom competition is part of the RHS Britain in Bloom campaign that has been running for more than 50 years and its aim is to encourage communities of all sizes to make positive and lasting improvements to their local environment.

A spokesman for the campaign said: "Traditionally ‘In Bloom’ groups planted lots of colourful bedding plants and hanging baskets for the wow factor, and although this is still a very important part of the competition, it now goes much deeper.

"Environmental issues play a major role as part of In Bloom and include recycling, composting, water harvesting, sustainable planting, litter, wildlife habitat and of course working in the community with schools and other groups."

The annual awards ceremony took place at York Racecourse last week and was attended by more than 350 guests.

Nigel Goodwill, from Yorkshire Lavender, said: "I am very pleased and honoured for my staff who work with such passion and dedication."

Work is now underway in planning for the 2017 competition. If you are part of a community group and would like to be involved in Yorkshire in Bloom, visit yorkshireinbloom.co.uk

For information about the RHS It’s Your Neighbourhood, go to rhs.org.uk/communities