volunteer gardeners are celebrating after scooping awards at this year's Yorkshire in Bloom competition.

Thirsk in Bloom beat all the competition to win the small country town category.

It got the award for the most improved town in the section and was invited to be a national entrant for Britain in Bloom next year.

A 20-strong team of volunteers has taken the town from 12th in 2001 to winning the competition by a comfortable 14-point margin this year.

The judges said: "The centre was alive with colour. Open spaces and picnic areas were well maintained with a good use of planters, hanging baskets and tubs throughout. The Thirsk in Bloom team should be congratulated for their efforts."

Thirsk In Bloom committee chairman Carole Pack said: "This is a truly tremendous result for the whole community of Thirsk, and I thank everybody for the support that we have received over the last few years."

Tony Jordan, Thirsk in Bloom volunteer and press officer, said: "Every one of our volunteers will be so proud of this award and the recognition that it brings."