York's Britain In Bloom team go for gold in national finals (From York Press)

York's Britain In Bloom team go for gold in national finals

8:41am Saturday 2nd February 2013 in News By Richard Catton, richard.catton@thepress.co.uk

THE team behind York’s Britain in Bloom bid have learned who they will face in the battle for best city.

Having won gold in the regional Yorkshire in Bloom competition in 2012, York will be representing the county when it comes up against Stockton-on-Tees, the London Borough of Richmond and the city of Norwich in the prestigious annual competition run by the Royal Horticultural Society. (RHS).

The RHS judges are expected in York some time between July 29 and August 9.

The half-day visit will see judges putting York under the microscope and looking at floral and horticultural practices, environmental efforts and how communities participate to make York and its neighbourhoods greener places to live, work and visit.

Coun Sonja Crisp, City of York Council’s cabinet member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism, said: “To be in the national finals for the second time in three years is testament to all the hard work that goes on throughout the year in York by residents, voluntary groups, businesses, and communities to improve the look of the city.

“We know from the many compliments we get about our floral displays that they are appreciated by residents and visitors. However, In Bloom is more than flowers. At the heart of the competition are the efforts of local people working together to improve and be proud of their part of the city.”

Coun David Levene, cabinet member for environmental services, said: “The achievement of York entering the national competition is an indication of the Smarter York’s ethos of engaging and empowering residents, local groups and businesses to keep York a beautiful place to live and work at a time of increasing funding pressures.”