Ilkley residents, businesses and care homes are being urged to enter their gardens into this summer's Ilkley in Bloom Garden Competition.

Trophies will be awarded this year to the top three entrants in each of four categories covering private front gardens, commercial premises' gardens or floral decoration, florally decorated pubs and

residential or care home

gardens.

The competition is open to everyone in the town and a panel of independent judges will award points based on overall visual impact along with things like the condition of lawns and hedges and the quality of plants.

Chairman of Ilkley in Bloom, Tony Gilroy, said: "Last year saw more local residents entering their front gardens than ever before and I hope we will have another record number of entries this year.

"I also hope that national retailers and banks may

support the town by florally decorating their premises. Our locally owned retailers are

generally very good at doing so and we are delighted with their support."

Mr Gilroy added that he hoped many local pubs would enter the Public House category of the event, which was only introduced last year.

Anyone wishing to enter their private house front garden should ring him on (01943) 609077.

The results of this year's Yorkshire in Bloom Spring Judging in the town,

meanwhile, should be available for publication in the next

edition of the Ilkley Gazette.