OTLEY has won a Yorkshire in Bloom gold award and been named overall winner in the town category.

The prestigious competition is part of the RHS Britain in Bloom campaign that has been running for more than 50 years, and is the Oscars of the horticultural world.

Otley was bathed in summer sunshine when judges visited the day after the town centre cycle race, and they said: "The In Bloom group is so enthusiastic and welcoming it was a pleasure to come and visit your town.

"Otley looked fabulous – a testament to all your hard work, well done everyone."

Colourful hanging baskets around the Maypole, the "well cared-for" White Bridge allotments, Otley in Bloom's nectar bed and Wharfemeadows Park, were all singled out for praise, as were the many Otley businesses that put out hanging baskets and pots to brighten up shop fronts.

An Otley in Bloom spokesman said: “We are delighted – it is a real team effort.

“Judges said they were really impressed by how many individuals and businesses were taking part, and even taking ownership of small pockets of space.

“Apparently, this is unusual in a town the size of Otley, as normally the bigger the town the more people expect it to be ‘someone else's job’.

“Thank you to everyone who helped us achieve this, and particular to Neil Wilson and his parks team.”

Also winning gold in the town category was Horsforth, with judges saying: "Good feeling of community – business/shops, Courtyard cafe, lady in mobility scooter helping. They have had an art walk. Good planters and hanging baskets. An excellent park, gardens and, generally, very, very clean."

Judges added of Horsforth: "Excellent garden at block of flats, good contribution from Bartletts on a very prominent site, the park is well maintained and has good interpretive signage. Nursery school trying very hard with good success. Some excellent house gardens."

Bramhope also won a gold award in the urban community category.

Judges said: "The bloom group continues to improve the environment of Bramhope. Their work can be viewed in all areas of the community. The group is well supported by shopkeepers and landlords, who have floral displays around their properties. The strong link to the school, which has extensive grounds and a thriving gardening club, help to develop links with all sections of the community."

Menston won a silver award in the small town category on the village's tenth anniversary of entering the Yorkshire in Bloom competition.

Judges said: "Outstanding area of the tour included Kirkland's Community Centre incorporating the well-maintained bowling green and the memorial bed dedicated to local soldiers who served in the First World War.

"High Royds Memorial Garden is a real gem with the recent restoration of the chapel. The raised beds around the entrance looked impressive, packed with nectar-rich herbaceous perennials and was swarming with happy bees. The entrance to Meadowlea Children's Home was especially colourful, with many hanging baskets and planters around the front of the building."

Ilkley received a Silver Gilt award in the town category, while Whartons Primary School in Otley also won silver gilt in the Harrogate Flower Show young people's award.

The annual awards ceremony took place on Tuesday at York racecourse and was attended by more than 350 guests.