Ilkley will require some extra flower power if it is to push Wetherby off the top spot in this year's Yorkshire in Bloom competition.

Margaret Welsh, publicity officer for the Ilkley in Bloom committee, believes Wetherby's impressive 'back-up' team provides it with a huge boost during the annual battle for floral glory.

For the past couple of years, Ilkley and Wetherby have been level-pegging after the spring round of judging, but the North Yorkshire town has always gone on to pip Ilkley following the summer round of judging.

Mrs Welsh and her colleagues believe Ilkley can fight back if more volunteers come forward - with as little as a couple of hours on a Sunday making a real difference.

"It really would be an enormous help if people could help with some tidying up in a particular part of town or volunteer to help with planting," said Mrs Welsh.

The bloom committee, headed by new chairman Tony Gilroy, has always maintained it is a 12-month operation to make Ilkley look attractive.

However, Ilkley does boast an impressive record in both the Yorkshire and Britain in Bloom competitions respectively, clinching the national title in 1990.

Anyone wanting to become part of the Ilkley in Bloom back-up team can contact Margaret Welsh on 01943 609836 or Tony Gilroy on 01943 609077.

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