AS spring approaches, a North Yorkshire town is getting ready for its biggest floral challenge yet.

The 2006 Britain in Bloom campaign is about to be launched - and in Harrogate, things will be a little different this year as it bids to become Champion of Champions.

The category has been introduced this year to honour Gold Award winners across the country who have had sustained success.

Local community liaison officer Sue Wood said: "We are very flattered to be nominated as invitation is based on the recommendation of the judges at the UK finals.

"Harrogate has had great success in the In Bloom competition, peaking with our gold award in the European Entente Florale in 2004, so we are hoping that, at the end of this year's campaign, the RHS Britain in Bloom Premium Gold Award will be ours."

The Harrogate suburb of Starbeck swept the board at last year's Yorkshire in Bloom awards, winning the spring, summer, overall and most improved trophies in the urban community category.

It has now been nominated to represent Yorkshire in the national competition.

It is the first time a nomination from the urban category been put forward, and the local In Bloom group is delighted.

Christine Stewart, of Starbeck in Bloom, said: "We are thrilled that our small but lively community is representing the whole of Yorkshire in this event.

"The competition recognises that participation will enhance the reputation of urban communities, which will boost the local economy and give a sense of pride to the people who live and work in Starbeck.

"We have a strong sense of community and I am confident that, by working together, we will be able to pull off a first."