A NEW website has been launched to help Malton’s first entry in the Yorkshire in Bloom (YiB) competition.

The site, which can be found at maltoninbloom.co.uk, provides all the information people need to get involved and is linked to social media, Twitter and Facebook with access to donate by via JustGiving.

Christopher Turner, Malton Town Councillor and Malton in Bloom project manager said: “This is a great website which will help promote Malton in Bloom.

“Our fundraising target to purchase plants, planters, troughs and hanging baskets is £8,500.

“We are well on the way with generous donations from RV Roger Nurserymen, Lowfield Garage, Taylor Wimpey, Linden Homes, Northern Gas Networks and many more to follow.”

Councillor Turner said the Fitzwilliam Malton Estate, through their Community Interest Company, was working closely with Malton in Bloom and they are hopeful

that local shops and businesses in and around the Market Place will hang up more than 100 hanging baskets.

“I am delighted with all the local support and the many businesses enquiring about how they go about acquiring hanging baskets,” he said.

“We are also looking a creating a flower bed display in the shape of a horse and jockey following a suggestion by businessman Howard Kinder.

“This would then bring into display Malton’s connection to the horse racing industry and we would welcome ideas of where to place it.”

A team is already in place to help make Malton look at its best over the summer months, including 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.The team also includes Antony Croser and Nick Fletcher, from Malton Tidy Up, and Rob Davies, of It’seeze, who produced the website.

Mr Davies said: “I was thrilled to be asked to produce the website for Malton in Bloom, an exciting new project for Malton and one that not only will make the town look brilliant this summer with lots more floral displays, but will engage the whole community and improve the environment too.

“The website is intended to let everyone know what’s happening and how they can get involved. Who knows, we may even win gold.”

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