Yorkshire in Bloom has launched a new competition for unusual flower displays to mark the new century.

Judges for the Millennium Project Competition will be on the lookout for original features which celebrate the Year 2000 and contribute to an improvement in quality of life. A trophy will be awarded for each winner over the next three years, with an outright winner to be selected in the fourth year.

Yorkshire in Bloom is a regional arm of the Britain in Bloom competition which encourages floral arrangements in villages, towns and cities. Other categories in this year's competition include commercial premises, tourist attractions and youth projects.

Regional chairman Frank Robinson said: "We are looking forward to a bumper year for entries as more villages, towns and communities seek to improve their environment through extra planting, landscaping and floral features."

The branch hopes to build on the success of last year when Ilkley was among the finalists in the Britain in Bloom National Competition.

For further information, write to the Honorary Administrator at Yorkshire in Bloom, 17 Hazel Close, Burn Bridge, Harrogate HG3 1NB or telephone (01423) 873316.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.