A TV presenter has officially opened a community allotment and orchard at Silsden.

Katie Rushworth, star of ITV’s Love Your Garden, performed the ribbon-cutting honours at the fire station, in Elliott Street.

Former grassland at the site has been transformed by firefighters, with fruit and veg ranging from carrots and onions to strawberries and cherries now growing there, plus herbs.

Friday's (July 21) formal opening included a lunch featuring some of the produce.

Around 50 people gathered for the event, with guests including local MP Robbie Moore and Silsden’s town mayor Councillor Mags Croft.

Katie said: "It was fantastic to officially open this allotment and orchard at Silsden fire station. I was so excited to be part of this special event.

"The work that the firefighters have done to provide this asset for the community has been incredible. And I’ve heard how the community has pitched in to help make the project a success.

"It was wonderful to see how much effort has gone into creating this amazing space and to hear how local people have donated items, such as plants and equipment, that have helped transform the area into a truly unique space that can be enjoyed for many years to come."

Dom Creed, watch manager at Silsden fire station, said he was "thrilled" at the turnout for the opening – and the response to the project.

He added: "It’s fantastic to have so much support from the community, as well as from our fire service – without them none of this would have been possible. The feedback from everyone has been amazing, with people saying how impressed they are with the gardens, which are a valuable asset to the people of Silsden.

"It was also great to hear that Katie thought we had done a really good job – her feedback as an expert gardener was invaluable!"

Mr Moore said: "It was brilliant to attend the official opening of the community orchard, which has been lovingly and carefully pulled together under the leadership and watchful eye of watch manager Dom Creed.

"Former grassland at the rear of the fire station has been transformed by the firefighters with the help of the community, including People First Keighley and Craven, to grow a vast range of fruit and veg.

"Dom and his whole team have done an incredible job and I can’t thank them enough for this fantastic community contribution."