SPRING has already sprung for one York couple, whose daffodils have once again proved early bloomers.

George Daggers, 73, and his wife, Moyra, 74, of Montague Road, Bishopthorpe, say their garden is always the first in their neighbourhood to bloom - and it is getting earlier each year.

Mr Daggers said: "We have got at least one daffodil out in bloom, with another four ready to pop up.

"We also have one yellow crocus, snowdrops and a yellow chrysanthemum.

"These daffodils are the first ones in the village every year. I don't know what type they are. We inherited them when we moved in ten years ago, but I think they are a hybrid.

"They bring a lot of pleasure to people. One lady stopped us and said how pleased she was to see them.

"They have come up earlier and earlier for the last few years. Even though it has been cold this year, daffodils are very sturdy."

Mr Daggers said that one of his neighbours even marks the event on his calendar.

A spokeswoman for the Royal Horticultural Society at Harlow Carr, Harrogate, said daffodils usually bloom in April, but with some hybrids in the right conditions they will bloom earlier.

She said: "I certainly haven't seen any yet. He's a very lucky man."

Has spring sprung early for you? Contact Rosslyn Brennan on 01904 653051 ext 312 with your story.

Updated: 12:02 Friday, January 24, 2003