MORE than 200,000 daffodils have been planted in a bid by Ripon to win the Britain in Bloom competition.

As the 2003 campaign gets under way, Ripon is already a finalist in the awards. The preparations are already well in hand, with the planting of 30 baskets and eight tiered planters across the city.

Chris Long, the chairman of Ripon in Bloom committee, said: "Although the annual inspections will not take place until August, we intend to make sure Ripon's flora blossoms throughout the year.

"We hope that everyone will join in with the plans, from hanging an extra basket outside their house to joining our teams of volunteers, who will be handling much of the planting and maintenance over the coming months."

To help with the bid, call Mr Long on (01765) 604176.