HARD working Otley in Bloom volunteers could be rewarded for their efforts.

The town council, which at the moment allocates £600 annually to the group towards environmental projects in the town, is looking at increasing it to £2,000.

Councillor Millie Stott, chairman of the environment and economic development committee said the volunteers had achieved great success in Otley.

Since the group took over, it has carried out many sustainable projects in the town and taken Otley's standing in the national Britain in Bloom competition from near the bottom to second place in the town section this year and also won the 'most improved town' section.

"People who are so dedicated need to be encouraged, we did so well in the Yorkshire in Bloom competition this year and we need to encourage these people," said Coun Stott.

She added that many wooden box planters needed to be replaced.

"Hopefully in a couple of years we will be at the top of the league," said Coun Stott.

Coun John Eveleigh said the group should be congratulated for starting long term projects that would look good for the years to come.

"In the past we have had some quick fixes the week before the judges have come. This group is really dynamic and is turning the town around," he said.

l Earlier in the meeting, Sylvia Reid, secretary of Otley in Bloom, said the removal of the conifer trees in All Saints Parish Churchyard had been on the whole supported.

The removal of the trees is the first phase of the tidying up of the churchyard which she explained could include lighting and securing the tombstones.