Otley, Hawksworth and Guiseley have all picked up top prizes in this year's Yorkshire in Bloom competition.

Hawksworth residents will be delighted that the village came first in the competition's trophy for small villages.

Judges said that they never cease to be amazed by Hawksworth, with the children's efforts and enthusiasm seeming to go from strength to strength.

During the ceremony in Doncaster yesterday, Guiseley was named as the most improved urban community as well as first prize winner in the category.

Judges said that the entry had good leadership and was well supported. They said there were many new tubs, a good show of hanging baskets, new beds at the gyratory, and a well-presented memorial.

Otley is celebrating an excellent result this year, winning the most improved town title and coming second in the town category.

The judges described Otley's entry into the regional competition as 'growing from strength to strength' and with their very focused and balanced approach they are succeeding.

It was described as having a positive and varied community involvement with schools and other organisations all helping to achieve its aims.

With successful funding bids for the well-defined action plan many projects such as the Evergreen Planting Scheme, the replacement barrier planters and lamp post containers are coming to fruition with many other projects such as the churchyard and wooden container replacements planned for the future.

Esholt was awarded a certificate of merit in the small village category, with judges saying that a regular weekend influx of Emmerdale fans to the village has not prevented the local residents from maintaining a high standard of tidiness and an absence of litter.

The judges report said: "The gardens, the allotments, the many fine stone buildings and the haulage depot were a credit - and special mention should be made of the model railway garden and house."

The Old Vicarage Guest House at Darley was also awarded a Yorkshire Tourist Board Commercial award.

Yorkshire in Bloom Chairman, Maurice Baren said: "Our judges have been delighted by the very high standards of displays they have seen throughout the county.

"Many communities are recognising the value of Yorkshire in Bloom in helping them to improve their quality of life - floral displays and a much improved environment are now seen as important factors in such work."