THE team behind national In Bloom award winner Helmsley is hoping to win a place in next year’s competition, after the recent judging for Yorkshire in Bloom.

Chairman of Helmsley in Bloom David Westhead said the judges Michael and Lovaine Irving were impressed when they visited the town for the spring judging, when they were given a two-hour tour by group members.

They visited landmarks such as Duncombe Park, the churchyard of All Saints, the Market Place and Boro Gate, Ryedale District Council recycling centre and a vegetable garden created by the town’s primary school, Brownies and Rainbows and the Thorne family.

The judges also saw a bird-feeding station which the Helmsley in Bloom group has created and an interpretation board in the churchyard, listing birds which can be found there, and where gardeners created an Easter garden.

Gardens in Elmslac Road, Carlton Road, Feversham Road and Rutland Place were also inspected by the judges.

Mr Westhead said: “I have never seen Helmsley look better. We were grateful to the district council and Helmsley Town Council for their help in making sure the town was looking its very best.”

The summer judging takes place on July 14 and some of the winners will be selected to take part in the Royal Horticultural Society’s Britain in Bloom championships next year.

Also being judged in July will be the Castle Café and Bakery and Helmsley Walled Garden, which are entered in two of the classes of Yorkshire in Bloom.