HELMSLEY and Pickering are celebrating after winning two major awards in this year's Yorkshire in Bloom competition.

For councillors and gardening enthusiasts in both towns, the successes come after several years of planning and working to raise funds to provide hanging baskets and floral tubs, as well as winning the backing of traders and organisations.

Helmsley fought back after receiving what the town's 'in-bloom' group felt was an unjustifiably critical report of its spring displays. New judges who visited the popular tourist town earlier this summer made it joint winner of the large villages section in the prestigious competition.

Meanwhile, Pickering was named the most improved town in Yorkshire. Teams of conservation-minded residents had carried out a big clean-up of the beck and eyesore corners of the town, as well as persuading residents and businesses to support the entry with floral displays.

Coun Jane Barker, of Helmsley Town Council, who, three years ago, took on the task of stimulating interest in the competition, said: "Helmsley used to take part years ago, but interest lapsed. Now we have found that so many people have come forward to help because they realise the benefit to the town's image as a holiday centre and the floral displays certainly enhance the appearance of Helmsley."

She added: "We start with just three of us working to put forward a good entry and now we have over 25 supporters. It's been a real success story and I'm sure we can build on it and put Helmsley into the national finals of Britain in Bloom in the future."

Chairman David Westhead paid tribute to those who helped bring about the success. "We had a lot of backing from the traders and residents, as well as the town council, Ryedale District Council, Ryedale Housing Association and Scarborough council's parks department, which kept the verges in good trim. We have had small groups of people who have taken responsibility for keeping particular areas and streets neat and tidy and it's paid dividends."

Pickering's 'in-bloom' committee chairman Janet Howard said: "It was a great achievement after all the hard work which has been put in by residents and businesses."

However, the judges urged more traders and businesses to get involved by putting up hanging baskets, she said. "We aim to build on the success we have achieved this year, but many thanks are due to so many people for their support. I'm sure our entry in Yorkshire in Bloom will now go from strength to strength."

The group is seeking additional members and ideas, added Mrs Howard.

Other awards were given to the Isabella Ward Centre at Pickering, Wold Cottage at Wold Newton and Sledmere House.

Updated: 13:56 Wednesday, September 21, 2005