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The city is celebrating after winning first place in the Large City category of North West in Bloom and Blackley took the runners-up prize in the Urban Community category.

Manchester will now go on to take part in the National Britain in Bloom finals in 2001 when regional winners from across the country will be vying for a place in the European finals.

It is three years since Manchester first entered the North West in Bloom competition and during this time Manchester has been runner up in the Large City category and won individual prizes for Albert Square.

Communities across north Manchester are now being urged to do their bit to help put the Blackley constituency in first place next season by turning the area into a blaze of glorious colour.

Pubs, shops, businesses and community groups are being encouraged to take part in next year's competition by decorating their premises and streets with hanging baskets and organising gardening competitions.

Cheetham Cllr Martin Pagel, Manchester City Council's deputy leader, congratulated the city on its achievements and praised the communities of Blackley for their involvement in the success.

He said: "Manchester, as always, will not be content simply to be the best in the North West. We are determined to be the first North West city to win the Large City category nationally and to go forward into Europe's Entente Floriale competition.

"What we need now is to continue to work in partnership with the city's businesses and communities to make this Manchester's best-ever bid.

"I would strongly encourage anyone who has an interest in the city or the competition to come forward and take part in the Manchester in Bloom Action Committee."

Anyone interested in becoming involved next year should contact Cllr Pagel at the town hall's chief executive's office on 0161 234 5000.