VILLAGERS in Hawksworth are celebrating after bouncing back to take top place in the Yorkshire in Bloom competition.

After a year out - because of its entry into the national contest - Hawksworth was placed first in the small village category for the fourth time - and a clear ten points ahead of its nearest rival, Crambeck.

Meanwhile, Otley's bloom team was delighted after jumping three places from last year to be placed seventh out of 13 in the town section.

Bramhope, which last year came second, dropped to sixth place with Guiseley - also in the urban community section - second from bottom in ninth place.

Judges were full of praise for Hawksworth which they described as first class despite being hit by foot and mouth restrictions and the theft of hanging baskets.

"The continual wish for improvement and a collective input over some eight years of participation have clearly transformed the appearance of Hawksworth and is a credit to the custodians of this lovely village."

The judges noted the many herbaceous borders and praised residents of Odda Lane corner, Main Street and Moor Valley caravan park.

Graham Breeze, from Hawksworth in Bloom, said everyone was delighted with the award. "It illustrates how the whole village - of around 70 households - has maintained its commitment to improving the village environment for villagers and for the pleasure of those who pass through.

"The Millennium Orientation Stone, seat and wildflower garden was created last year on top of Hillings Lane specifically to provide passers-by with a place to rest and gaze out over a fishing lake, moors and beyond to hills over 25 miles away."

Mr Breeze also paid tribute to Hawksworth School and added that it was one of the highlights of the judges' tour.

"The success of Hawksworth in the competition is largely due to the efforts of the children under head teacher Roger Bumby."

In Otley, the judges said the enthusiasm and commitment of the locals was obvious.

"Much attention has been given to colourful planting and the efforts put into the Colour Round Every Corner initiative worked well."

Judges noted that the town was litter free and all public areas were well maintained. There was a good display in the library window and a positive support for Yorkshire in Bloom.

Les Cross, Otley Town Council clerk, said it was a fantastic result.

"We are very pleased with the result, it reflects more accurately our position over the years.

"We regard this as a jumping off spot for getting into the top three next year. However, we are not complacent and are ready to move on with more initiatives."

In Guiseley, although the town was placed ninth overall, it did much better in the summer judging when it was placed sixth.

Judges said the community was making progress and picked out colourful planting at housing areas and the reconstructed wells.

"As plans come to fruition, the group will see further success."

Shirley Hughes-Rowlands, Guiseley's bloom co-ordinator, said all those who had worked so hard should be pleased with the result - especially with an improved showing in the summer judging.

She said the town, which was only in the contest for the second year, could be proud of the positive result and would build on it next year.

In Bramhope, judges praised grass maintenance and the churchyard, but suggested more community involvement might improve the entry.

l In other sections Moor Valley Leisure Ltd, Hawksworth, came last out of nine in the caravan, camping and chalet park section; Hilton Grange, Bramhope, was second out of three in housing developments built within the last five years.

Hawksworth C of E school was placed fourth out of six for its environmental improvement project; Horsforth War Memorial came eight out of 20 in the war memorial section; Wharfedale Hospital was 11 out of 22 in the public, private and charitable establishments;.

In the pubs and restaurants section, The Whitakers pub, Otley, was ninth, out of 22, The Fox and Hounds, Bramhope, was 12th and The Bay Horse, Otley, was 16th.