COMPETITION for the 2002 Yorkshire in Bloom Awards was keener than ever, with communities large and small all digging for victory.

And the months of hard work have now paid handsome dividends in the form of a bumper crop of results for the region.

Among the big winners was Thirsk, which took the Yorkshire Bank Rosebowl Trophy for the overall most improved entry.

Ripon took the trophy for its war memorial display as well as the top award for the best summer display in towns.

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.

Jasmine Park at Snainton, near Scarborough, was presented with the tourism award for camping and chalet parks.

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

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

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.