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Valley Gardens among top winners at Yorkshire in Bloom awards

Valley Gardens was among the parks recognised at this year's Yorkshire in Bloom awards.

Parks and gardens across the Harrogate district have been recognised at this year's Yorkshire in Bloom awards.

Valley Gardens in Harrogate, Knaresborough Castle and Conyngham Hall in Knaresborough each received platinum awards – the competition’s highest accolade.

Ripon Spa Gardens also secured a gold award.

Members of North Yorkshire Council’s parks team joined representatives from community groups at the awards ceremony in Tadcaster on Thursday (24th September).

The annual competition encourages communities to make lasting improvements to their local environment, with judging focusing on horticultural achievement, environmental responsibility and community participation.

North Yorkshire Council supports community groups with their entries and submits its own sites, with judges visiting in July.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for parks and grounds, Cllr Malcolm Taylor, said:

“We would like to congratulate the hard work of our parks team as well as volunteer groups who dedicate their time to keep green spaces tidy.

“The annual awards encourage and develop community spirit and civic pride whilst promoting responsibility for planting, cleanliness and maintenance.

“In turn, this can boost the local economy through increased tourism, encourages voluntary work and cooperation between community groups, and helps to address issues such as sustainability, recycling, minimising waste and energy conservation.”

Elsewhere in North Yorkshire, South Cliff Gardens and Peasholm Park in Scarborough received platinum awards, while Friary Gardens in Richmond was awarded gold.

Yorkshire in Bloom is the regional body representing the Royal Horticultural Society’s Britain in Bloom campaign.

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