THE winners of the 2002 Yorkshire in Bloom Awards have been announced.

Among the winners were Ripon, Thirsk and Harrogate.

Yorkshire in Bloom chairman Frank Robinson said: "Most of our success stems from the enthusiasm and effort of the communities involved."

Ripon took the trophy for its war memorial display as well as the top award for the best summer display in towns, while Thirsk took the Yorkshire Bank Rosebowl Trophy for the most improved entry overall.

Harrogate took the Institute of Leisure and Amenity Management Town Centre Shield, the Yorkshire Water Services Environmental Awareness Award and the large town award.

The Friarage Hospital, Northallerton, took the shield for public, private and charitable establishments with the town's Stone Cross Civic Centre coming a close second.

Prestons of Potto narrowly beat Barkers in Northallerton to take the Yorkshire Tourist Board's commercial award for larger businesses.

Clow Beck House at Croft-on-Tees took the YTB commercial award for residential accommodation while the Sawley Arms at Sawley, Ripon, won the pub prize. Jasmine Park at Snainton, near Scarborough, was presented with the tourism award for camping and chalet parks.