VOLUNTEERS in Keighley have picked up a gold medal for their work transforming the town's display of flowers. 

Yorkshire in Bloom announced the town as the gold medal winner in the Large Town/Small City category, narrowly edging out Halifax to win the award.

The judges commended the standard of maintenance they found on their visit to Keighley, and Town Hall Square was awarded a top platinum medal in the class for Parks and Open Spaces.

Judges were also impressed with the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, which also earned a gold medal in the Tourist Attractions category, while the Airedale Shopping Centre also picked up a gold award.

In Saltaire, Friends of Roberts Park were awarded gold for their work in the area.

Judges said: "A historic Park which has benefited from a substantial Heritage lottery grant which has helped restore the infrastructure of the park.

"The friends group is an informal arrangement, which takes responsibility for a successful entertainment program within the park.

"The park is well used and is adjacent to Saltaire Village and therefore gets significant use from tourists."

Mirfield in Bloom was also awarded a gold medal after volunteers impressed the judges with their community spirit and togetherness.

Mirfield Co-op and the Railway station volunteers were also awarded gold medals as were three schools in the town, Battyeford, Crowlees and Church House, who were all awarded top honours.

The community of St Mary’s picked up an Outstanding Achievement award in the Royal Horticultural Society's "It’s Your Neighbourhood Campaign" and residents of Lodge Drive were thrilled with their Outstanding award in the same class.

Mirfield Promenade volunteers who look after the waterways which run through the town also achieved an “Outstanding” grade.

John Stanley, Yorkshire in Bloom Co-ordinator, is delighted with such an outstanding set of results. He commented that across the county volunteers, businesses and schools have taken pride in their communities working together to enhance and improve their local environment. Everyone involved should be very proud of the Yorkshire in Bloom medal they have been awarded.