THINGS are brightening up in Malton as colourful baskets, beds and borders are all spruced up for the summer.

Green-fingered Andrew Shaw has been digging deep as flower displays are put in place around the town.

This year the theme will be the town's colours - white, yellow and pale blue.

Peter Mudge, town centre marketing manager, said: "We have set about linking in with the town and district councils and local traders to try and co-ordinate colourful displays.

"They will be in the town colours and then we have been adding in a different colour for each street."

Mr Mudge said several traders had already promised to organise their own flowers and hanging baskets.

Businesses counting on Andrew's garden flair will have less to arrange - he will be out and about over the coming months tending the blooms.

Updated: 10:09 Friday, May 23, 2003