The green-fingered folk of Wigginton had some blooming good news today.

The community was top of its class in the spring round of judging in the Yorkshire in Bloom competition.

Wigginton was awarded 79 points to finish top in the urban community class - a feat it managed last year.

Former parish council chairman John Jeffery said the award was a tribute to the hard work of a lot of people.

He said: "We really went to town this year and planted a lot more extra daffodil, crocus and hyacinth bulbs.

"We also got the local village school involved, which I think impressed the judges.

"We do look after the playing fields and spend a lot of time making them look nice and I think that impressed the judges, too."

In their report, the judges said: "We started our tour from the centre of the village around the colourful, well-maintained pond.

"There were many attractive planters in prominent positions.

"The playing fields and church fields provided well cared for areas for community activities.

"It was encouraging to see the local children had been involved in various bulb-planting schemes.

"There were a number of colourful displays in many of the residential gardens."

Dunnington came seventh out of 17 in the small country town category with 80 points.

The judges praised the new bulb-planting by local Brownies which gave a "delightful display" to the entrance to the village."The private gardens had colour and were very well maintained," said the judges.

"Here is a community that obviously cares for its environment and this is shown by the well-maintained conservation areas, the condition of the sports facilities and the well tended churchyard, all maintained by volunteers."

The competition now progresses to the next stage with the summer judging period in July.

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