RESIDENTS in a York village are celebrating winning gold in Britain in Bloom.

Dunnington won the small town category at the 50th UK final of the awards with Dunnington's Roy Freer receiving the RHS Britain in Bloom Community Champion award for his exceptional commitment and dedication to the RHS Britain in Bloom cause. The village's win comes after three silver gilt awards in the past.

Commenting on Dunnington in Bloom's efforts, RHS judges Brendan Mowforth and Mark Wasilewski said: "The co-operation and energy demonstrated by a number of groups in Dunnington has resulted in the community engaging in a wide range of projects.

"The bloom group carries out many tasks including mowing extensive areas of grass, litter collection, the planting of seasonal displays, and developing new projects. The group also considers environmental issues as part of the wider programme, a good example being the plans for the new cemetery to enhance wildlife."

Elsewhere, Harrogate scooped gold in the small city category with judges saying: "Harrogate had worldwide coverage this year with the Tour de France. People flocked in their tens of thousands to enjoy the spectacle of the race and will have left with a sense of what Harrogate has to offer.

"Tourism is Harrogate's main industry and this is recognised by the local council and the Bloom committee with the high standard of horticultural features around the town always looking at their best - which ensures that the tourists will keep arriving for years to come."

Also in North Yorkshire, Filey won silver gilt in a coastal community category.