AN ANNUAL search has been launched by the Keighley in Bloom Partnership for the town’s best-kept plots.

Categories cover gardens, container displays, allotments and community centres.

The competition – supported by Keighley Town Council – is open to residents and all types of business, from pubs and restaurants to care homes.

Partnership bosses say the initiative also plays a major part in shaping the town’s entry in the Yorkshire in Bloom contest.

Judges in the best private garden and best private container display sections will be looking for a balanced use of plants, their condition and variety, plus an imaginative use of colour.

Similar attributes will be sought in the community centre section, where general tidiness will also be scrutinised.

Allotments should be well maintained and managed, with good condition and variety of crops.

The miscellaneous category includes businesses and commercial premises.

In the best private garden section, there are three categories – A, for large gardens measuring over 20 square yards; B, for gardens up to 20 square yards, and C, for yards.

“We think there’s a section for everyone, so we would urge people to show their neighbours and other businesses their green fingers and help raise the bar on the previous excellent quality of entries – help make your Keighley a better place!” said a spokesman.

Anyone whose garden or premises is within the Keighley Town Council catchment area can enter.

To take part, e-mail karin@homeandawaytraining.co.uk or call 01535 664242.

The closing date for entries is June 30 and judging will take place on July 27.

An awards ceremony will be held at Cougar Park on September 22.

The Partnership is also seeking businesses or individuals interested in sponsoring barrier baskets, planters and hanging baskets in the town centre.

On Saturday they are staging their annual plant sale in the Airedale Shopping Centre.

About 1,500 plants will be on sale at the event, from 10am.

The spokesman said: “There will be a wide variety of bedding plants and vegetables which can be bought separately for a Father’s Day gift, for mum to say thanks or simply for your office!

“For those with bigger gardens or appetites, there are trays of 20 or more with the option to mix and match into variety packs.

“We would like to thank Keighley Town Council for its continued support, our volunteers for their time in growing and planting out and everyone involved for their backing.”