Malton and Norton are set to become "blooming lovely" towns this summer - thanks to Andrew Shaw and his newly-established business, Mill Hill Nurseries, in Norton.

For 23-year-old Andrew has been given the green light by Malton and Norton Town Centre Initiative to encourage traders to have hanging baskets outside their premises, and has also won the tender for Malton Town Council's floral displays.

Andrew who first became interested in gardening through growing bonsai trees at a summer school, qualified at the Royal Horticultural Society's headquarters at Wisley, and worked at Swinton Grange after taking a course at Askham Bryan College. He is currently studying garden design at Bishop Burton College in addition to running his landscape garden and nursery business.

Andrew has chosen Malton's official town colours of blue, white and gold for the main theme of this summer's displays but says other streets will also have their own individual schemes.

Already a number of traders have shown interest in having hanging baskets which he provides and waters as part of the deal. Peter Mudge, the towns' marketing manager, said: "We are anxious to see a good display of floral baskets this year because it will certainly enhance the appeal of Malton and Norton to visitors and shoppers."

Updated: 08:18 Friday, March 07, 2003