THE Ancient Society of York Florists welcomed green-fingered competitors to Askham Bryan College for its first show of the year.

John Galvin, society secretary, said the annual show had been a good one despite clashing with one of the biggest flower events in the region on Saturday. “The standard of entries was very high,” he said.

“Unfortunately it clashed with the Harrogate Flower Show so it did affect entries, but there was still a high standard.”

The show was the first of the society’s four annual events of 2011.

Yesterday Mr Galvin, who is also a member of City of York Council, was at the Harrogate show as a member of the York branch of the Cactus and Succulent Society, where he celebrated taking a gold award.

“It’s been a very productive weekend,” he said.