THE results of the annual Ilkley Summer Bloom Competition were announced this week.

Taking pride of place is the famous Betty's tea shop on The Grove, which came out ahead of the rest in the commercial premises category for its impressive hanging baskets.

In the same category, Ilkley Windows, of Leeds Road, came second and Lishman's Butchers, Leeds Road, came third.

In the nursing home category, Kirkwood, Moorfield Road, was the winner, with Rosegarth, Clifton Road, coming second. Third was Hollycroft, on Hebers Ghyll Drive.

In the private garden category, Mrs Briggs, of 1 Maufe Way came first. Mr Roper, of 15 Strathmore Road, came second and there was a tie for third place between Mrs Scally, of 7 Denton Road, and Mrs Weir, of The White House, Curly Hill.

One of the organisers, Sue Jennings, said judges had to assess a wide variety of gardens, including a woodland ravine which must have required guy ropes to plant it, a garden overflowing with bedding plants and a chorus of frogs which had taken over a tiny front garden pond.

"These were just some of the treats in store for the Ilkley in Bloom judges on their walk round some of Ilkley's prettiest gardens," said Mrs Jennnings.

Sponsors of the competition included The Royal Mail, Spooner Industries Ltd and Yates Insurance.

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