Stamford Bridge could be a riot of colour this summer, as it gets ready for the Yorkshire In Bloom contest.

But there is a twist - because the village will not actually be entering the competition this year.

Parish councillor Hilary Saynor said the floral effort would be a "dry run", but it was still hoped residents and businesses would back it.

Coun Saynor said the Stamford Bridge In Bloom group was asking all of them to do their bit to ensure their gardens and premises are all looking their best.

She said hanging baskets had been ordered, and would be placed throughout the village.

Coun Brian Lawson, chairman of the In Bloom group, said an open gardens event would be held on July 15 to raise funds for the initiative, and a coffee morning would take place early next month for the same purpose.

Coun Saynor said a senior member of the Yorkshire In Bloom judges regularly visited the village, and had told her that if they had entered last year they would have done very well.