Communities across North Yorkshire are celebrating after receiving the highest accolade in this year’s Yorkshire in Bloom awards.

The annual competition encourages communities of whatever size to make a positive and lasting improvement to their local environment.

North Yorkshire Council works with community groups to support submissions, along with entering its own sites, with judging taking place in July.

Platinum awards were handed to Valley Gardens in Harrogate, Knaresborough Castle, Conyngham Hall in Knaresborough, as well as South Cliff Gardens and Peasholm Park in Scarborough. Ripon Spa Gardens and Friary Gardens in Richmond secured gold awards.

The ceremony took place in Tadcaster yesterday (Thursday, September 24), attended by members of the council’s parks team and representatives from community groups.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for parks and grounds, Cllr Malcolm Taylor, said: “We would like to congratulate the hard work of our parks team as well as volunteer groups who dedicate their time to keep green spaces tidy.

“The annual awards encourage and develop community spirit and civic pride whilst promoting responsibility for planting, cleanliness and maintenance.

“In turn, this can boost the local economy through increased tourism, encourages voluntary work and cooperation between community groups, and helps to address issues such as sustainability, recycling, minimising waste and energy conservation.”

Yorkshire in Bloom is the regional body representing the Britain in Bloom campaign that is organised by the Royal Horticultural Society.

The three judging priorities are horticultural achievement, environmental responsibility and community participation.

For a full list of the award winners and to view the judges’ comments, visit www.yorkshireinbloom.co.uk/results