THE team behind Grassington's outstanding floral displays have done the village proud by winning gold in the annual Yorkshire in Bloom contest.

And, hot on the heels of the district contest, Grassington in Bloom went on to be awarded silver gilt in the national RHS Britain in Bloom competition in its 60th anniversary year.

Grassington was one of 52 villages, towns and cities to be put forward to the finals of the Britain in Bloom contest after winning their various sections and districts. The overall winner, Bath in Bloom, winner of the gold medal in the small city section, was revealed on television's The One Show yesterday (Monday).

In the Yorkshire contest, Grassington was awarded gold, joint category winner and also picked up the best small community award; with members receiving certificates at a ceremony in the Riley Smith Hall, Tadcaster on September 26.

There was also an award for Diane Mackridge, chair of Grassington in Bloom, who was rewarded for 'outstanding commitment to the community'. Diane was unable to attend the Tadcaster ceremony to receive her community champion award from the judges and was instead presented with it by Grassington in Bloom's vice chair, Judith Groves.

The Yorkshire in Bloom judges noted that it had been a 'pleasure to visit Grassington', that the village was 'clean and tidy' and that they had been welcomed and greeted by many locals and team members.

The judges were impressed to see that every planter had a sponsor and that each was looked after by either a business or resident; there was evidence in all areas of 'encouraging biodiversity, such as a wildflower area, and walking through the centre, there were 'small alleys all delightfully planted in keeping with the area'.

The judges told the team: "Grassington in Bloom are a well organised team of enthusiastic individuals all of whom strive to ensure they support and enhance the beautiful village in which they live. You are working not only with the environment but the restrictions of the national park and the thousands of walkers and visitors to the village."

Darren Share, Chair of the RHS Britain in Bloom judges, said: “Huge congratulations to all finalists of the 2024 Britain in Bloom competition, especially in this milestone 60th anniversary year. Each group demonstrated the creativity, hard work, and commitment to sustainability that Britain in Bloom has championed for six decades. It is wonderful to see the passion and dedication of these hardworking groups in bringing together communities across the UK and make a lasting impact on our local environments.”