Members of the York in Bloom Committee have joined in the congratulations following the city's Silver Gilt prize at yesterday's (4 September) prestigious Yorkshire in Bloom awards.

The city was assessed against other communities of over 100,000 across Yorkshire, being judged on the imaginative planting of trees, shrubs, flowers and landscaping as well as how it deals with issues of litter, graffiti, vandalism and anti-social behaviour. Sheffield won the title of Yorkshire City in Bloom, with York and Barnsley receiving a Silver Gilt and Bradford and Hull receiving a Silver award.

Carolyn Dunn, chair of the York in Bloom Committee and chief executive of York's City Centre Partnership, said: "I'm delighted with the award of the Silver Gilt prize in this prestigious competition. Sponsorship of new tubs and planting in the city centre by the York City Centre Partnership was just one part of the enormous effort made
by numerous organisations and individuals throughout the city. I look forward to building on this great result for 2008."

Terry Collins, director of the council's Neighbourhood Services team, said: "This is a tremendous result for York, particularly as it is a number of years since the city has entered the competition. It demonstrates the hard work and fantastic partnership working of all those involved. Congratulations to all those who helped who have helped make the city look so good. It gives us a good base to work from in the future."