York has been selected from more than 1,000 entrants to take part in this year’s Britain in Bloom Finals 2013.

The city will represent Yorkshire in the competition following regional judging last year.

York was selected for “outstanding commitment to environmental responsibility, community participation and gardening achievement.”

This July and August York’s green-fingered volunteers will be showing off their commitment to a cleaner, greener Britain, by taking the Britain in Bloom judges on a tour of local projects and initiatives in a hope of being awarded Gold and being named category winner at the annual award ceremony in October.

Andrea Van Sittart, head of regional development for the Royal Horticultural Society which runs the awards, said: “Thanks to the legacy of London 2012, the power of volunteering has never been more widely recognised or appreciated. Britain in Bloom saw a 30 per cent uplift in sign-ups over the past year and this year, we have a record number of finalists.

“It seems more people are prepared to donate time and energy to projects like this, because they’re aware that improving their neighbourhoods can change lives and boost people’s confidence, health and happiness. The Britain in Bloom campaign is making a difference, and people want to be a part of that.”