MEMBERS of the Ilkley Flower Show Society will be celebrating at their forthcoming annual general meeting.

Last year the meeting was surrounded by an air of doom and gloom because the lack of members put the existence of the annual event under threat.

But thanks to a major recruitment drive and a public appeal, enough volunteers came forward to fill the committee places and they will be staying in office, ensuring next year's event goes ahead.

A delighted chairman Robert Smith said: "After all the trials and tribulations associated with the formation of the committee last year, I am pleased to report that the majority of members will be standing for re-election.

"Last year's AGM was very poorly attended resulting in us having to hold an extraordinary general meeting to try and keep the Flower Show in existence.

"With an influx of enthusiastic new members, this year's show was one of the best we had for many years with almost 700 people attending."

But Mr Smith said that more volunteers were still needed to make the show even more successful next year.

And he urged anyone interested in becoming a volunteer or helping the group in any way to attend the meeting if at all possible.

"The AGM is open to anyone who would like to help on the day of the show or even join the committee," said Mr Smith.

The meeting will take place at the Clarke Foley Centre, Cunliffe Road, Ilkley, at 7.30pm next Thursday (November 15).

Mr Smith said he would like to thank all those people who provided help at the Society's show and coffee morning.