GREEN-fingered volunteers have been keeping Malton blooming during the coronavirus pandemic.

Malton in Bloom, a Malton Town Council initiative, has been busy maintaining its floral beds in 2020, as well as providing an array of hanging baskets and barrier planters all around the town, together with the addition of some new fresh installations.

Cllr Paul Emberley, mayor of Malton, said: “As ever, the feedback we’ve had from residents and businesses about our Malton in Bloom initiative has been terrific.

“It’s given Malton a real ‘lift’ at a very critical time as we gradually emerge from the lockdown, and our shops and businesses start to reopen once again, and over time we can play our part in gradually welcoming back the visitors to our award-winning historic town, the commercial heart of Ryedale.

“Malton in Bloom is good for our local economy too, and the town council is committed to continuing both its moral and significant financial support to the initiative allowing us to make this project bigger and better each year. We’re also incredibly grateful to all our donors, and the many local businesses and individuals.”

Tim Hicks, deputy clerk to Malton Town Council, said: “There are probably three significant and distinct projects this year - the ground planting to two roundabouts, the completion of works around the horse sculpture and the creation of a new floral garden at Sparrows Nest, at the top of Newbiggin.”

Gail Cook, clerk to Malton Town Council, who is in overall charge of the Malton in Bloom initiative, said: “Our volunteers have worked incredibly hard to maintain the existing planted areas across the town. This year, we’ve expanded our commercial planting by providing floral displays to many lamp post columns in the town centre.”

Gail and Tim would like to thank Ben at Hudson Plant & Excavation for the major groundworks, Cliff Hicks for the detailed ground work, and the army of volunteers.

To find out more, go to malton-tc.gov.uk/malton-in-bloom