Proud tenants of Bradford's biggest social landlord were honoured last night for their efforts to make their homes better.

More than 200 gathered for the Bradford Community Housing Trust's 2006 Home and Garden awards at the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television.

The awards were sponsored by the Telegraph & Argus, Cleanaway and Wates Construction.

The evening was compered by corporate entertainer John Simonett and there was entertainment by Bradford dance troupe Kala Sangam.

Mark Burnside, of Farleton Drive in Fagley, was a winner for the second time. "I won an award in 2005 but was delighted to win another for the best kept garden this time," he said.

Patricia Hirst, 55, of York House, Idle, won gold for the best floral display. She said: "I used tubs filled with flowers and window boxes to create the effect. I live in a concrete block of flats so adding a splash of colour is very important."

Vanda and Philip Knaggs, of Aireville Terrace, Burley-in-Wharfedale, won the gold award for best room makeover. They completely transformed their kitchen to win the category.

Mr Knaggs, 58, said: "It was a lot of hard work but it has all paid off. We will definitely be entering again next year to see if we can win best garden."

Winners were presented with a commemorative plaque and received gifts including televisions and DVD players.

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Choudhary Rangzeb, was at the event.

He said: "I am delighted by the high standard of entries and the number of them.

"All these people should be very proud of helping to make Bradford a better place."

Pamela Sharp, 57, of Wedgemoor Close, Wyke, won the bronze award for best room makeover.

"I love reading so I decided to use lots of books to decorate my living room," she said.

"I have books for a coffee table."

Geraldine Howley, chief executive of BCHT, said: "The entries get bigger and better every year and I will be taking away some inspiration from tonight's event."

e-mail: jennifer.sugden@bradford.newsquest.co.uk

THE WINNERS

Best floral display: Gold, Patricia Hirst, York House, Idle; Silver, Louise Chambers, Dale Court, Ilkley; Bronze, Brian Young, Kelvin House, Holme Wood and David Columbien, Lane Ends Close, off Thornton Road.

Best Room Makeover: Gold, Vanda Knaggs, Aireville Terrace, Burley-in-Wharfedale; Silver, Ronald Howell, Damon Avenue, Ravenscliffe; Bronze, Pamela Sharp, Wedgemoor Close, Wyke and Karen Matthews, Bolton Bridge Court, Ilkley.

Best-Kept Gardens: Gold, Mark Burnside, Farleton Drive, Fagley; Silver, Pauline Smith, Green Lane, Addingham, Carol Best, Lambourne Avenue, Ravenscliffe and Barbara Caygill, Thornacre Road, Wrose; Bronze, Catherine Swaine, Angus Avenue, Wyke, Maurice Gale, Aire View Crescent, Baildon and Jack Walsworth, Cordingley Close, Holme Wood.