YORK is on blooming fine form according to the Yorkshire In Bloom judges.

The comments are in from the competition judges after a tour of the city which was undertaken in the spring - and so far their comments have been favourable.

This is the first time in eight years the city has entered the prestigious competition, which this year is supported by The Press.

York is one of five entrants in the city category alongside Sheffield, Bradford, Barnsley and Hull.

The Press is encouraging our readers to back the city's bid and make their garden's beautiful for the judge's return visit on July 24.

After their first visit the judges said: "York clearly was blooming as we carried out the first spring assessment, complemented by the outer villages of Copmanthorpe and Bishopthorpe.

"The abundance of daffodils around the city walls, along with many spring floral features, provided a wonderful display.

"The lack of litter was very evident during the visit and the street furniture was to a high standard.

"The judges look forward to revisiting the entry in July to see York in its summer colours."

One of the highlights was a visit to the new York Eco Depot - the biggest straw building in Europe.

City of York Council's street environment manager, Liz Levitt, is coordinating the city's bid.

She said: "It's all about good old-fashioned city pride and community involvement.

"We'd love the entire city to get behind the bid and that doesn't just mean looking after gardens, but making sure the quality of the environment in York is as good as it possibly can be."

Russell Stone, general manager at Street Scene, is keen to introduce spring hanging baskets to the city centre.

Similar to the summer York In Bloom scheme and the displays that decorate the Coppergate Centre, businesses would be able to buy baskets to hang outside their premises.

A recently published book, York's Green Places, highlights more than 40 parks, nature reserves and hidden green spaces in the city.

York's green spaces have also come to national attention with three of the city's parks receiving a mention in the Good Parks Guide, which is published in conjunction with the Royal Horticultural Society.


What the judges liked...

* The floral displays at Askham Bryan* Council floral displays* The Museum Gardens, "maintained to a very high standard"* The Coppergate spring floral displays, "an absolute delight"* A number of restaurants and public houses seen en-route* The Park&Ride site at Grimston Bar was "well maintained"* Excellent residential gardens, especially in some of the outer villages.


...and room for improvement

* Consider introducing a spring flower bed display in partnership with young people* More attention to dead-heading in planters* Encourage additional businesses and commercial enterprise to enter into the spirit of the competition* Look to introduce a spring garden competition with the involvement of young people