A FAMILY-RUN plant nursery business in North Yorkshire has been recognised for its charitable efforts which have spanned more than 25 years.

Johnsons of Whixley has been given a Plaque of Appreciation from the Easingwold District Lions, marking more than 25 years of working with the organisation.

Johnsons, which is based in Whixley and one of the largest commercial nursery businesses in Europe, started working with the Lions in 1990, when senior organiser Ray Thomas met Johnsons’ managing director Andrew Richardson at a professional function.

Since then, the business has donated plants annually to the Lions’ summer fayre, and is one of its longest-standing supporters.

Johnsons’ most recent donation of plants and flowers was seen at the Lions’ annual Summer Fayre, at Easwindwold Market Place on Saturday (24 June).

Johnsons of Whixley joint managing director, Andrew Richardson, said: “We are proud to work with such a fine charitable organisation, which does wonderful work in our local communities and overseas.

“All of us at Johnsons feel extremely proud to receive this Plaque of Appreciation, recognising our contributions over the last two and a half decades, and we look forward to contributing further in the years ahead.”

Recent projects by the Lions include the donation of 250 high-visibility tabards to a local primary school, to help pupils stay safe on school trips and walks while, earlier this year, a representative volunteered their expertise as a dental hygienist in schools across equatorial Africa.

Johnsons has also lent its support to the York Cares employee-volunteering charity. Earlier this month, more than 250 volunteers helped renovate outdoor space at Tang Hall Community Centre.