Addingham is in contention for a prize in this year's Yorkshire in Bloom competition - but 2004 national winner Ilkley has two rivals to beat to take top place again this year.

Yorkshire in Bloom judges have ranked Addingham second in the Small Country Town category after the spring round of judging, just three points behind leader Kippax, near Leeds.

The fortunes of 2004 Britain in Bloom winner Ilkley, however, are not flowering this year, as the town took only third place in the Small Town category, behind old rivals Wetherby and Ripon.

Addingham took its highest score for private endeavour, gaining 57 of a possible 60 points, and beating Kippax in that aspect of the judging. The village was awarded 50 of a possible 60 points for the floral displays of businesses premises, but just 49 points for its public areas. Fifteen of a possible 20 points were awarded to Addingham for environmental awareness.

In their official comments, the judges said the paved area around the memorial, achieved with grant aid funding, was a 'great improvement' for the village, and they highlighted the enthusiasm of Addingham Primary School with its various horticultural improvements by the children and imaginative In Bloom publicity posters.

They picked out the orchard garden, churchyard, High House Mews, The Fleece and The Swan which presented floral displays, and said they were a credit to all involved.

"Private gardens displayed good design and excellent standards of maintenance," said the judges.

They offered Addingham's In Bloom organisers, Addingham Garden Friends, a few tips on how to improve their entry, suggesting the group could think a little more about green waste recycling.

Richard Bull, of Addingham Garden Friends, said the volunteers are about to get to work on preparing the floral displays for the summer.

"We're very pleased," he said.

This year the Friends want to enhance the village by organising a hanging basket competition for residents - and they may consider making their recycling efforts more noticeable. Far from being out of touch with green issues, Mr Bull said Bradford Council takes away the village's green waste and returns it in the form of compost.

Snow showers greeted the judges as they were taken on their tour of Ilkley by members of Ilkley in Bloom this year, but judges say the strength of the floral displays shone through, with a wonderful mix of bulbs, cherry blossom and spring annuals.

Ilkley was last year triumphant in the Town category of the prestigious national Britain in Bloom competition, also gaining a coveted gold award. Entrants for the national competition are chosen from the previous year's regional winners, so this year, Ilkley returns to competing in Yorkshire in Bloom.

The judges said support from businesses this spring was evident, but efforts should be made to strengthen their involvement in the town. The absence of litter, graffiti and weeds was commended, but the street furniture, bollards, seating and railings would benefit from fresh painting and staining, they said.

The efforts of the Ilkley in Bloom committee and Ilkley Parish Council were highlighted in the judge's official comments, and they said the highlight of the visit was a trip to the award-winning Darwin Gardens at the top of Wells Road.

The judges said the standard of cultivation in Ilkley does, however, need some attention, particularly in the case of perennial weed. But they said projects from schools and young people in the area can only go from strength to strength.

"All should be very proud of their town," said the judges.

Ilkley scored a total of 174 points out of a possible 200. Category rivals Ripon managed to gain 177 points while high-flying Wetherby tallied 181 out of 200 points to take first place, along with great praise from the judges.

Ilkley in Bloom spokesman, Peter Coleman, said the group was pleased to see Ilkley highly-placed in the spring judging.

"We have to accept that we're up against stiff competition. It's a matter of trying a little bit harder again," he said.

Elsewhere in Wharfedale, Otley took second place in the Town category after the spring judging and further afield, Guiseley was placed second in the Urban Community category, and Hawksworth Village was joint first in the Small Village category.

The summer round of Yorkshire in Bloom judging will take place in July.