York's gardeners were celebrated in an annual prize-giving. The annual York allotments (YACIO) best plot awards ceremony was hosted in Holgate allotments community orchard garden on Sunday afternoon (August 18). Chairman of YACIO Board, Tony Chalcroft, was joined by Helen Butt from Holgate allotments and York Central MP Rachael Maskell to award prizes for best newcomer and experienced gardener allotment plots across the city.
Ms Maskell praised allotment holders and said: "Allotment holders should be proud of the spaces they create across the city which are often beautiful as well as productive." Overall winner of best newcomer was Melanie Charles while best overall plot was won by Paula and Paul Smith, for their plot at New Lane allotments. Tony, himself an allotment holder of more than 40 years, closed the event by thanking all those involved in organising the competition and all the plot holders for their hard work and for creating diverse environmentally friendly spaces across York.
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