FIRST it was life-sized metal deer - now the Tadcaster In Bloom team are hoping a pyramid of whisky barrels will impress judges in the summer stage of the competition.

The pyramid, which consists of 17 barrels with cascading purple and lemon petunias, was built by volunteers on Saturday and is sited outside John Smiths Brewery.

The display was sponsored by internet company uk.com.

Angela Usher, chairwoman of Tadcaster Chamber of Trade and spokeswoman for Tadcaster In Bloom, said: "Everyone loved the recycled metal deer and we wanted something new to catch the judges' eyes.

"The display says something special about the town and we also thought it would give people at John Smiths a bit of a boost."

Tadcaster came fifth in their category of 27 entrants in the spring round of the competition, with only five points separating the top five.

The next round of judging will take place on July 15 and Angela is urging everyone to get involved.

"The chamber of trade are again sponsoring a 'best window' competition and the theme this time is 1960s flower power.

"We hope that all businesses are going to take part and help the town along."

Updated: 10:46 Monday, June 09, 2003