SHIPLEY is celebrating the efforts of its enthusiastic volunteers after the town won a silver award in only its second year of entering the Yorkshire in Bloom competition.

One Shipley volunteer in particular, was singled out for a special Britain in Bloom Community Champion award.

Zabir Siddique (known as Sid), who works at the Asda store in Shipley, came to the attention of the Yorkshire in Bloom judges for his work creating, tending and expanding the 9/11 memorial garden in the store’s car park.

He has created the garden in his own time and largely at his own expense.

The spotlight was shone on his colourful contribution to Shipley when he was one of only four people across the whole of Yorkshire to receive this discretionary award.

Councillor Rhona North, Chair of Shipley Town Council’s Allotments & Green Spaces Committee, last week presented Sid with his certificate.

She said: “It’s just wonderful when people like Sid see something that isn’t great and get on and do something about it.”

In accepting his certificate Sid said: “It’s not just me, it’s a community effort. I started with one small viola and people have given me advice and encouragement along the way and I’ve learned so much.

“The best thing is when people stop and tell me how much they appreciate seeing the garden”.

Shipley in Bloom is hoping more volunteers join the effort to go “gold” in 2024 with the next public meeting on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 11am in Shipley Library.