Talented village gardeners will represent Yorkshire in a prestigious flower competition in summer

Hopton in Bloom, from the village of Upper Hopton, has been selected from more than 1,000 entrants to take part in the 2014 finals of Britain in Bloom.

Yorkshire in Bloom nominated the group to the national finals of the contest organised by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).

Hopton in Bloom was selected for engaging every element of the community, for demonstrating a commitment to helping the environment and for horticultural excellence.

Upper Hopton will compete with Glenarm, Kirkoswald, Moorsholm, Norton in Hales and Filby in the Village category.

Upper Hopton will be visited in July and August by RHS judges who will meet community representatives and tour local projects.

As well as bedding displays, the judges will inspect everything from recycling initiatives to areas of natural habitat and conservation. They will also look at the management of street furniture and public parks and will assess how well the group is responding to climate change and council cuts.

The village gardening group won a Yorkshire in Bloom gold award in both 2012 and 2013, but this is the first time it has reached the national finals.

Hopton in Bloom member Kathryn Cockerill said: “Our success has been achieved by a sustained effort from our team, who last year worked steadily through one of the coldest winters with lots of snow.

“We also have wonderful support in many ways from the residents of Upper Hopton who will, I am sure, be on board for a year of great activity in the hope of achieving gold.

Stephanie Eynon, RHS community horticulture manager, said: “This is a really special year to be an RHS Britain in Bloom finalist because it’s the 50th anniversary of the campaign.

“But of course it’s not about beating fellow finalists – it’s about volunteers gaining recognition for their extraordinary efforts to improve streets and neighbourhoods across Britain.”

Hopton in Bloom was founded 11 years ago and consists of 17 volunteers of all ages. To learn more, visit www.upperhoptonvillage.co.uk