FLOWER power greeted Yorkshire in Bloom judges as they visited Keighley and surrounding villages last Thursday.

The judges were delighted with the way that Haworth had blossomed since their first visit to the village in the spring.

And they left the Keighley in Bloom team optimistic that the efforts of local people would see the town grow from silver to gold status.

In Keighley the judges were given a guided tour of floral hotspots including East Riddlesden Hall, Cliffe Castle and the town hall square.

They also checked out community gardening activities and community centres and other people’s facilities such as the Sangat Centre, St Peter’s Court, Holmewood and Castle Hill.

Diane Ramsden, chairman of Keighley in Bloom, said: “The judges were really pleased with what they saw at East Riddlesden Hall.

“At St Anne’s Primary School they spoke to a pupil about how he’d grown vegetables and fruit like blackcurrants and redcurrants.

“At the Sangat Centre they were impressed with the herbs and raised beds.

“They were the judges were very pleased with the enthusiasm and motivation of of entrants across Keighley and the work that went into the produce.

“It was all very positive. We’re hoping to go for gold this year!”

In Haworth the judges, Christine Stewart and Linda Casper, were shown round a similar circular route as in the spring.

Haworth in Bloom chairman Gillian Hill said: “The judges were pleased to see that we had acted on the spring judging remarks they had made.

“They were very impressed with the container planting outside some residents’ homes and shop fronts.

“They remarked on the cleanliness and order of Haworth despite the recent Tour de France onslaught just over a week before, praising the council’s quick response to any damage and mess.”

When the judges visited Airedale Hospital they said they were impressed by the passion and dedication of the gardening team.

Highlights were colourful flower beds at the West Entrance and a garden on ward 4 which will have special appeal to patients with dementia.

Airedale hospital’s gardeners, Mick Rumbold, Steve Marshall and Dave Feather, look after the grounds and gardens of Airedale Hospital, Castleberg and Skipton Community Hospitals and Settle Health Centre.

Last year the team scooped a Silver Gilt award in the Yorkshire in Bloom competition after being nominated by the Friends of Airedale Hospital.

The results of this year’s Yorkshire in Bloom competition will be announced in September.