Several towns, villages and parks in the Bradford district have come up roses in this year’s Yorkshire In Bloom awards, with judges describing some displays as the best in the county.

In the small town categories, Addingham gained a gold, with judging saying “Every corner was a delight. It was lovely to meet so many enthusiastic people who showed real pride in Addingham.” Menston achieved a silver and Shipley a silver gilt in the same category.

Ilkley won a silver gilt in the town category, with Skipton gaining a gold - receiving praise for its “outstanding” floral displays.

Among those singled out for praise were the flower beds around Keighley War Memorial - which won best memorial in Yorkshire, Skipton’s Diamond Jubilee Garden, winner of the permanent landscaping award, and the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, which judges deemed worthy of the Tourism award.

Judges visited participating towns in July, with the additional Spring visit cancelled for the first time because of unseasonably poor weather earlier in the year.

Maintained by gardener Steve Thorpe on behalf of Keighley Town Council, the bright floral displays around Town Hall Square, home of the town’s war memorial, won over judges. And Keighley experienced more success thanks to the floral displays in the various stations along the Victorian Keighley and Worth Valley Railway. Of their visit judges said: “No effort has been spared to gather authentic artefacts of every kind to set the scene. All the station facilities are pristine and the toilets outstandingly well cared for, whilst fitting into the timescale of the railway.”

Announced at an awards ceremony at York Racecourse yesterday ((Tuesday)) afternoon, the Yorkshire in Bloom awards form part of Britain In Bloom, and awards volunteers, community groups and councils for their efforts to make their cities, towns and villages more beautiful.

Lister Park in Bradford picked up a gold rose award, and judges said it was “Truly a park to be proud of.” Roberts Park in Saltaire won a silver gilt.

In the Small Village category Esholt won a Silver gilt award, with judges saying: “It was a pleasure to walk round the village and look over the walls of many gardens and allotments to see the residents working in their gardens.”

East Morton won a silver gilt rose award in the village category with judges singling out its village green.

There was even success in the private institutions categories. Airedale Hospital in Steeton won the silver gilt rose award for its gardens, as did Holme Wood Residential Care Centre. Holy Trinity Church in Skipton won a Gold award and Holden Hall in Oakworth a silver.

In the community section, the Holme Wood Community Allotment Project in Bradford was called “outstanding” and “an excellent example of community gardening.”

For the full list of awards, visit yorkshireinbloom.co.uk