GREEN-fingered enthusiasts have enjoyed a great response to their latest fundraising efforts.

Generous residents gave fundraisers cash to help boost the coffers of Thirsk in Bloom.

Leading the fundraisers was Dorothy Reveley, who collected £120 in a watering can at her shop.

She placed it next to life-sized dolls dressed as Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary at Bridge End.

She said: "We raised more than £100 in a short time which was really good going and we are really pleased."

Regular entrants to Yorkshire in Bloom the Thirsk group won its best small town section in 2004.

Members followed it up by winning a silver award in last year's Britain in Bloom competition.

Kath Reynard, chairwoman of the group, said: "We are very grateful for the funding.

"What it shows is that the people in the town care and want the town looking nice and attractive.

"And it's not just for the people who live here, but for visitors also as we are a tourist town."