Gardening groups across Leeds have harvested a blooming good crop of prizes in the Yorkshire in Bloom awards.
It was a triple celebration for Garforth as judges announced the winners of the annual region-wide competition.
The town’s In Bloom group not only won a gold award and topped its category but was also awarded a special community prize.
Judges were told the group had progressed “in leaps and bounds” since forming in 2008 to the point of having a waiting list of sponsors for future projects.
Secretary Susan Ashworth said: “We had hoped for gold but never in our wildest expectations did we expect to be the winner of the category.
“There were 12 other towns, so to come top we were astounded and then to be awarded the community award was just the icing on the cake.”
The good news came just a day after the group found out it had won the Duke of York’s Community Initiative award, which it will be presented with by Prince Andrew next month.
“It has been quite a couple of days,” said chairman Phil Dunwell.
Shadwell in Bloom was also celebrating after winning gold and topping the large village category.
Morley did well too - Janet Harrison, of the town’s In Bloom campaign, was recognised with a Community Champion award while Newlands Methodist Church won a prize for the best place of worship.
It is hoped more success will follow for last year’s winners Leeds and Kippax as they represent the area at the Britain in Bloom awards next month.
Comments