A community is being urged to pull out all the stops over Easter to create a floral display second to none.

People and businesses in Malton and Norton are being challenged to make the effort by the local town centre manager, Mick Gains, following talks he has had with the town and district councils.

"This year sees the Queen's Golden Jubilee and with it an opportunity for the whole community, including business, to put on a floral display across the towns as part of the planned celebrations," said Mr Gains.

"It would have the added benefit of creating an improvement to the local environment and an attraction to shoppers and visitors."

He said: "It is vitally important that we have a self-sustaining scheme in place and do not leave it to the trusty few to take on the burden of responsibility for the town.

"The only way we are going to have a really good display year-on-year is if everyone plays their part."

The theme agreed by Malton Town Council, Ryedale District Council and the Town Centre Management Company is that the central colours will be gold, or complementary colours, in recognition of the jubilee year.