Villagers in Upper Hopton are bursting to follow up last year’s success in Yorkshire in Bloom.

The village struck gold in the county-wide contest in 2015 and also won a special merit award for their efforts down the years.

Now the Hopton in Bloom committee aims to repeat – or better – last year’s show and judging is underway.

Yorkshire in Bloom judges Philip Young and Beatrice Myers spent a couple of hours in the village on Wednesday for the spring judging.

The village is a riot of colour with the daffodils in glorious full bloom in the historic surroundings of St John’s parish churchyard.

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Christine Breare, secretary and one of the founders of Hopton in Bloom, said: “We had a lovely day weather-wise for the judging and everything was looking really nice.

“The tulips are out in the circular beds in the centre of the village and the churchyard looks a picture.

“The daffodils in Hopton Lane, which started to bloom in the last week in January, are still in full flower. They look wonderful.”

Last year Upper Hopton took gold in the best small village category and received the Yorkshire Rose Community Award, given at the discretion of the judges.

The voluntary gardeners are hopeful of more success this year.

The judges were given a tour of the village which included a mural at the back of Hopton Club, the recreation ground and a restored former BT phone box now turned into an exhibition space.

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Hopton in Bloom started in 2003 with six members. There are now 23 volunteers, most of whom turn out whatever the weather every Wednesday between 9.30am and 12.30pm to tend the beds.

Some work together, others independently on their own designated plot or area.

The green-fingered volunteers showed off their culinary talents too by serving a delicious homemade lunch to the judges.

“Of course, we weren’t trying to influence them at all,” joked Christine.

The result of the judging won’t be known until September.