KEIGHLEY is blooming lovely!

That's the verdict after a hugely-successful annual competition which recognises the town's best-kept plots.

This year saw increased entries in the Keighley in Bloom (KiB) contest and standards were high.

The venture – supported by the town council – is open to residents and all types of business, from pubs and restaurants to care homes.

As well as gardens it incorporates hanging baskets, planter displays, allotments and community centres.

Awards were handed out across a number of categories in a ceremony at Cougar Park.

The presentations were made by town mayor, Councillor Mohammed Nazam.

Organisers said they were delighted with the response to this year's free-to-enter competition and judges paid tribute to the work put in by entrants.

The committee thanks everyone who took part in and supported the initiative, which also plays a major part in shaping the town's entry in the Yorkshire in Bloom contest.

Steve Seymour, for KiB, said: "We're grateful to everyone who entered, the businesses which sponsored the many hanging and barrier baskets around the town and all those who helped with planting-up flowerbeds and litter picking in preparation for the Keighley entry into the Yorkshire in Bloom competition.

"Once again we achieved a Silver Gilt Award, which was presented at a ceremony at York racecourse last month."

He added that the KiB committee, made-up entirely of volunteers, would welcome new members.

"You don't have to have a knowledge of flowers – just a desire to make Keighley look lovely so everyone can enjoy it," he said.

"Everybody has a skill to offer."

Anyone interested in getting involved should call Kathrine Roberts on 07743 979484.

The committee says anybody who requested copies of photos at the awards evening can collect them from the Airedale Shopping Centre management suite.

Award winners were:

Large garden – gold, David and Caroline Petyt; silver, James Hanson, Mrs L Hibbard and Judy Hazelhurst.

Small garden – gold, Mr and Mrs Parker; silver gilt, Robert Clark, Valerie Taylor, Mrs Barbara Turner and Graham Barr; silver, Heidi Lowe.

Yard – silver gilt, Keith Marsh; silver, Ken and Angie Cutts.

Container display – gold, Patricia Ann Farr, David and Caroline Petyt and Mr and Mrs Parker; silver, Mrs Jennifer Gardner, Roy Morehen, Robert Clark and James Hanson; bronze, Mrs Barbara Turner.

Allotment – silver gilt, Ken and Angie Cutts.

Miscellaneous garden display – gold, Keighley Railway Station, Ingrow West Railway Station, Mount Pleasant Kennels and the Airedale Shopping Centre; silver gilt, Aire Valley Business Centre; silver, Co-op Funeral Care Keighley, Boltmakers Arms and Mother Hubbard's.

Community centre – silver, Sangat Centre.