A MIXED bunch of results awaited communities in Wharfedale and Aireborough when the Yorkshire in Bloom spring results were announced.

Otley came tenth out of 13 in its section and Guiseley was second to bottom - but there was better news as Bramhope came joint fourth and Hawksworth top in their respective areas.

Judges praised the Otley in Bloom committee for enhancing the town's floral displays and also praised local schools for a good spring display of bulbs. Local pubs and Wharfedale Hospital were congratulated for their efforts in the towns

section.

The report added: "The project co-ordinator and residents should be proud of their community achievements. With an overhaul of the route to cover more of the judging criteria, this traditional market town should aspire to greater success."

Les Cross, from Otley in Bloom, said that the results were an improvement on last year, which has seen the town climb two places and gain 19 more points than this time last year.

"I am reasonably satisfied that we have improved and confident that there will be

further improvements in the summer judging, where we traditionally do better," said Mr Cross. "I would have thought that if we continue to improve in the summer judging we would be in line for an award as the most improved town. This is a solid start."

In the urban community section, judges said that Guiseley was a difficult entry to judge. Good features included Morrison's supermarket grounds, Methodist and St Oswald's Church cemetery and Springfield Park, as well as the restoration of Guiseley Wells.

But judges said that there was no contribution from general businesses, there was a lot of litter around and many public areas needed weeding. They also complained that they were shown few private gardens.

Shirley Hughes-Rowlands of Guiseley in Bloom said: "We need more support from the community. We need people prepared to do their bit and go around picking up litter - there is so much litter it's incredible - we need people to do some bulb planting and generally help us out. We also need businesses to show more support." Volunteers should contact Guiseley (01943) 872903.

Judges were full of praise for the Hawksworth entry in the village category, claiming it was 'a joy to judge'. They praised colourful and innovative planting, children's input to posters and the Millennium viewpoint, as well as excellent

community organisation and enthusiasm throughout the village.

Graham Breeze from Hawkworth in Bloom said: "After a year in abeyance from the Yorkshire competition, we are obviously delighted to come back in right at the top. We are particularly pleased with the praise lavished on the village school and that the two pupil guides were mentioned by name in the report."

Bramhope's entry was praised as being very colourful, with projects at Well Head, Memorial Gardens and the Knoll being singled out, as was work at Kings Road and the many well-landscaped gardens and well maintained church yard. The judges said that local businesses need ed to become further involved with floral displays.

"Another good entry," the report added. Bramhope finished joint fourth with first time inner city entry Beeston.