DEDICATED volunteers are celebrating after their hard work was recognised with Yorkshire in Bloom awards.

In Bloom groups in Horsforth, Bramhope, Otley, Rawdon and Menston were all successful in the competition. Awards also went to Golden Acre Park in Bramhope, The Box Tree in Ilkley, The Stansfield Arms in Apperley Bridge and Abbeydale Residential Home in Ilkley.

Horsforth in Bloom is celebrating winning its third consecutive gold award in three year as well as winning the best in town category.

Team leader Peter Mallott said: “Horsforth in Bloom are a relatively small group of volunteers and meet every Wednesday afternoon to take part in various horticultural activities. In all they are involved with work at 26 different sites throughout the town as well as engagement with schools, social groups such as ‘Live at Home’ and Scouting organisations.”

The judges said: “Horsforth in Bloom have a dedicated and focused team with every member using their individual skills for the benefit of their community.”

Bramhope in Bloom is celebrating winning its fifth consecutive gold.

Chairwoman Janet Hobson said: “What can I say but thanks to all our members for their hard work, skill and attention to detail. I recently met a lady who had just moved to Bramhope and she said that her move was partly due to the wonderful floral displays that make the village look so pretty.

“Whilst we enter “In Bloom” we do so, not just for the award but to make Bramhope a lovely place to live. Having a good environment encourages people to look after it and most of all it puts a smile on their face.”

The judges said: “Bramhope has a pleasant blend of urban and rural community and with the prominence and work of the In-Bloom group it has retained its own identity and sense of place.”

They added: “It is evident that there is a lot of pride in your community and the whole team and their sponsors deserve to be congratulated to making such a positive contribution to Bramhope and its residents - well done.”

Otley is celebrating winning a Silver Gilt at the competition’s awards ceremony at York Race Course.

Chairwoman Katie Burnett said: “It is always a pleasure to take the judges on a tour around the town and show them all the great projects that the people of Otley are involved in to enhance our green spaces.

Writing on the menston.org website Menston in Bloom said: “We’ve been awarded a Silver Gilt. The judges were impressed with the colourful and varied planting throughout the village, including all those lovely bulbs planted in the park. (Thank you Scouts).

The group added: “Thank you to everyone who helped make the village look lovely for the judging day, but most importantly, thank you to everyone who supports us in whatever way throughout the year.”

Rawdon in bloom has been awarded a silver gilt at this year’s Yorkshire in Bloom competition, improving on last years silver award.

A spokeswoman said: “The judges commented on the volunteer group being a dedicated and focused team with every member using their individual skills for the benefit of the community. They were particularly impressed with the groups entry in respect of sustainability as the volunteers have grown up to 80 per cent of all the seasonal plants on display around Rawdon, including the design and building of their own planters which are in keeping with the village environment

“The group has exciting plans for the next twelve months including, developing a new rockery for the entry point to Rawdon from Horsforth as well as continuing to build on their ethos of sustainability. During October the volunteers will be busy bulb planting around the area so if you wish to be involved please come along everyone is welcome, no gardening skills required.”

Dates will be posted on the group’s facebook page.