'BABY in a bubble bath' was the judges choice in a competition to find the quirkiest floral container at Gargrave's recent open gardens weekend.

A record 40 entries were made by residents keen to lift the challenge trophy.

Linda Hartell of the village's Dalesman Cafe said it had been a wonderfully wacky weekend.

She said: "Just when you think people can’t get any more creative or ingenious or clever - well they can. Entries included a rugby ball and boots, milk churns, a pet carrier, a toy kitchen, stiletto heeled shoes, tool boxes, a handbag, a bedside table and table lamp and even a Silver Cross pram to mention just a few.

"The judges, Liz from Green Touch Gardening, and Susan from The Yorkshire Dales Flower Company had a very tough task indeed to choose an overall winner but finally decided that Pam and Chris Bolas should receive The Mark Tootill Financial Planning Challenge Trophy for their 'Baby-In-A-Bubble-Bath'.

The trophy was presented by Mark, following a prayer of thanks from Vicar Andrew Steer and a 'mass sing’ of All Things Bright and Beautiful in the Sunday morning sunshine outside The Dalesman with music ably provided by Tony Baldwin-Lewis.
 There were several runners-up who all won prizes generously donated by businesses  - All Plants North, Bollywood Cottage, Crossgates Health, Mark Tootill Financial Planning, Philip Carrol Antiques, The Frying Yorkshireman and Twin Locks Garden Centre.