Keighley has notched up some rosy results in this year's Yorkshire in Bloom contest.

The town received a merit certificate after finishing fourth in its category.

Judges praised flowerbeds at Cliffe Castle and Spring Gardens Lane, and paid tribute to the maintenance of public areas. The Woodville Horticultural Centre and a tree-planting scheme in Highfield Lane, were also singled out for plaudits.

And Keighley blossomed in the town centre category, earning a merit award after finishing third - just six points behind Bridlington.

Special mention was made of the local authority central areas and provision of baskets.

In the war memorial section of the competition, Keighley's monument was commended for its rose beds, grass areas and troughs of summer bedding. Praise was given for the addition of the Royal British Legion's Millennium inscription.

A merit certificate was awarded.

Another merit award winner was Airedale Hospital. The hospital - which was placed seventh in its category - was described as "well maintained and virtually litter-free".

In the section for tourist and visitor attractions the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway finished 15th. It was praised for making good use of baskets and planters at its stations.

And in the category for residential accommodation with less than 20 rooms, the Three Sisters Hotel at Haworth was ninth. Judges commended the signposting, grass maintenance, pond area and planters, and they said reception areas were "very tidy with good information displays".

Cllr Anne Hawkesworth, executive member for the environment, says: " I would like to congratulate all those who played a part for their tremendous efforts in making Keighley a more attractive place to live in or visit."