JUDGES of the Yorkshire in Bloom competition have given a market town top marks for its spring entry.

Thirsk came first in the small country town category, with judges praising the co-ordinated containers, bulb and tree-planting and shrub pruning.

They also said that Thirsk in Bloom was making a positive difference to the whole town.

Describing the town's entry, the chairman of Yorkshire in Bloom, Maurice Baren, said: "They had clearly fulfilled the many points in the judging criteria, which not only includes floral displays, but also takes account of community effort, individual gardens and environmental quality."

Ripon also scored well, coming second in the small town section.

In the same category, Northallerton came joint eighth and Knaresborough finished in 11th place.

Pickering came 11th in the small country town category and Helmsley 11th in the large village section.

Summer judging for the competition will take place between July 5 and 23.