MALTON in Bloom (MIB) are celebrating success in Yorkshire in Bloom.

The group of volunteers was awarded a gold certificate and declared category winner in the class for small towns at a ceremony in York yesterday (Tuesday).

They also picked up a Yorkshire in Bloom discretionary award for their commercial enterprise. This award is given to the entry who demonstrates best partnership working between the Bloom group and the business community.

The judges were full of praise for Malton in Bloom’s efforts to involve the whole community across the town including many businesses, individuals and local groups such as Malton Flower Club, Malton and Norton Tidy Group, The Beekeepers, St Michael’s Church and many other organisations.

Following the town’s achievements in 2017 when it secured a Silver Gilt, members of MIB have built on the success of their inaugural year.

Over the winter and spring months more than 4,000 plants were planted up, including around 200 hanging baskets and planters in and around the Market Place and on a number of prominent entrance points to the town, along with the two bridges that link Malton and Norton.

As well as these formal displays, neglected green open spaces across the community have been tended to, some for the first time in many years.

A year-round ground planting programme has also been implemented while community groups have taken responsibility for various parts of the town.

There have also been several major new projects for 2018 including wildflower planting at the entrance to Castle Gardens and to the riverside picnic area.

Yorkshire in Bloom co-ordinator John Stanley said it was an outstanding achievement for MIB.

“This is a great set of results despite the intense heat that volunteers have battled with.

“Despite the very difficult conditions this summer preceded by an exceptionally cold winter everyone has rallied round.

Mr Stanley said: “Community spirit in Yorkshire will always bring people together to overcome adversity.”

Scampston Hall and Gardens are also celebrating being awarded a gold certificate at their first attempt in the Yorkshire in Bloom competition.

The judges described the garden style as old English country estate meets modern garden design and the result is a beautiful and interesting garden.

For full list of results go to www.yorkshireinbloom.co.uk