AN Otley garden centre is celebrating new ownership, a new look and the beginning of the gardening season with a launch weekend next month.

On April 1 and 2, visitors to Otley Garden Centre - formerly Stephen H Smith's - will be able to see the changes that the new owners, Yorkshire Garden Centres, has made and get 15 per cent off plants, garden furniture, crafts, gifts and selected food and drink from the new Hearty's Food Hall.

Andy Bradley, the new centre manager, having been promoted from assistant centre manager at Tingley Garden Centre, said: "We're proud of the changes we have made at Otley, from the refurbished plant area and new look Hattie's Kitchen to the relocation of popular concession, Edinburgh Woollen Mill and the opening of Hearty's Food Hall.

"We're looking forward to celebrating the launch with customers old and new."

Helping the team to celebrate will be Yorkshire producers, including Wold Top Brewery, Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery and Hooting Owl Distillery, who will be giving out samples to over-18s.

Visitors to Otley will also have the chance to win one of four garden makeover prizes worth £10,000 in total during the launch weekend.

Each prize has a value of £2,500 and includes an Amalfi mini corner set, a Weber Mastertouch charcoal barbecue plus £1000 to spend on plants, pots and garden accessories.

Otley Garden Centre was established by Stephen H Smith in 1966 and occupies a six-acre site on Pool Road.

The Yorkshire Garden Centres family comprises Tong, Tingley, Otley and Bingley Garden Centres.