by Caroline BarrettA FINAL call has gone out to the green-fingered people of York to do their bit this weekend to help make the city look extra special for the judges of York in Bloom.

Organisers of the York entry into the Yorkshire in Bloom competition are urging businesses and home owners to put out a container of flowers, a hanging basket, tidy-up their front gardens and cut the grass.

On Monday the judges will be given a grand tour of York city centre and surrounding areas, and if York wins it will go through to the Britain in Bloom competition.

Last year York came last in its group, with top place going to Barnsley.

Organiser Di Dickson, of the York in Bloom Committee and the Coppergate Centre, said: "We need the help of the local communities to put the final touches to all our work.

"If ever there was a time to get out in the garden and do a bit of tidying this weekend is the time to do it.

"The judges are looking for community spirit just as much as flowers; they are looking for clean and tidy streets, a commitment to environmental issues like recycling, as well as innovative and exciting displays."

She added that the committee have been overwhelmed with the response of shops and businesses across the city who have ordered hanging baskets.

Richard Green has been watering all the baskets in Tadcaster, Selby and York with water given by the York Water Work Company.

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