MALTON is entering the Yorkshire in Bloom (YiB) competition for the first time.

A team is already in place to help make Malton look at its best over the summer months with more people encouraged to get on board.

Councillor Christopher Turner, who is leading the campaign on behalf of Malton Town Council, said: “We are very lucky to have three expert gardeners to advise us how to go about it.

“Our gardeners include Roger Burnett, previously head of parks at Scarborough Borough Council and now in charge of community projects, Brian Harrison, previously head gardener at Castle Howard and Sledmere House, and Sheila Johnson, community environment at Scarborough Borough Council. They have all judged for Yorkshire in Bloom in previous years.

“We have a growing team, including Antony Croser and Nick Fletcher, from Malton Tidy Up, and Rob Davies, of It’seeze, who is pulling together our website.

“Thank you to The Derwent Diggers, Malton Flower Club, St Michael’s Church and Rogers Nurseries who are all showing a very active involvement.”

The group is working in partnership with Mark Brayshaw, from the Fitzwilliam Community Involvement Company, along with businesses and shops. Last year there were 62 hanging baskets in and around the town. This year the target is 80.

“Malton Town Council has kicked off the funding, along with donations committed from Northern Gas Networks, Taylor Wimpey, Malton and Norton Lions and Linden Homes,” said Cllr Turner. “We need as much help and guidance as anyone can offer.”

The annual YiB competition encourages communities of whatever size to make a positive and lasting improvement to their local environment.

A spokesman said: “The very nature of Yorkshire in Bloom encourages and develops community spirit and civic pride whilst promoting responsibility for planting, cleanliness and maintenance.

“This in turn can boost the local economy through increased tourism, stimulates voluntary work and cooperation between community groups, and is a means to address issues such as sustainability, recycling, minimising waste and energy conservation.

The competition is assessed by local judges on criteria developed by the RHS in consultation with the Regions. Marks are awarded and are related to standards of Gold, Silver Gilt, Silver and Bronze.

Judges will assess Malton in Bloom sometime in July with an annual awards ceremony in September at which the awards are announced. Five of the best are then chosen to represent Yorkshire in the RHS national finals the following year.

To get involved, email Christopher Turner at pottingshed@maltoninbloom.co.uk or phone 07900 227000.

You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter. The website maltoninbloom.co.uk will be launched mid-February.