THE world's longest running flower show society, the Ancient Society of York Florists, will celebrate its 250th anniversary with an exhibition in the city centre.

And the organisation's show in Parliament Street is set to be the highlight of the Bloom! festival, with beautiful bouquets of fuchsias, geraniums, roses, sweet peas and carnations among the 100 displays.

The society was founded in 1768 and currently has about 130 members in the city. York's Ultra Fibre Optic (UFO) from TalkTalk will sponsor this year's show, which takes place on July 7 and 8 from 10am to 5pm.

Councillor John Galvin, show secretary at the society, said: “We really wanted to show everyone exactly what the society is all about and we want people to come and see what we do and even enter the classes if they would like to."

He said members are "thrilled" to be supported by TalkTalk.