SKIPTON has bloomed its way to regional recognition with a Silver Gilt award.
The honour was presented on Thursday at this year’s Yorkshire in Bloom Awards, which celebrate towns, cities, and villages that go the extra mile to create attractive and welcoming environments.
Judges visited the town in July to view its floral displays, supported by Skipton BID, Stepping Stones, Skipton Town Council, and other partners.
The Yorkshire in Bloom ceremony in Tadcaster (Image: Skipton BID)
They also learned about the £35,000 investment from the BID and The Artery through the ‘Buzzing Skipton’ project, made possible thanks to funding from the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire’s Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Fund.
Skipton BID was presented with the silver gilt award in the BID/Town or City centre category, which saw Harrogate BID winning gold.
Sarah Howsen, manager at Skipton BID, said: "We're honoured to receive this award.
"It’s great to be recognised for all of the hard work we do to make sure Skipton’s floral displays shine bright.
"After Skipton in Bloom disbanded earlier this year, we took on full responsibility of everything floral within our town centre – and we’re proud to say Skipton was full of colour over the summer.
"We’re pleased to fully fund all of the floral offer in Skipton and will continue to work hard to enhance and develop this every year.
Skipton BID got a silver gilt award (Image: Skipton BID)
"I’d also like to once again thank the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire for the funding opportunity.
"The Buzzing Skipton project has been a huge success."
Yorkshire in Bloom judges assess floral displays, planting schemes, community involvement, environmental responsibility, and overall town centre presentation.
The awards scheme gives communities an opportunity to showcase their pride, creativity, and commitment to keeping public spaces vibrant.
Skipton BID is already setting its sights on next year’s competition.
The team hopes to secure further awards as it continues work to keep the town a clean, welcoming, and safe place to live, work, and visit.
Grassington in Bloom won a gold award in the small village section.
Judges noted: "Although it is a small community, the villagers have shown that they can roll up their sleeves and work hard to give visitors and residents a wonderful floral welcome.
"Despite sometimes being overwhelmed by tourists, the village was clean, tidy and litter free.
"Grassington Primary School has a small garden very ably run by Issy and Fiona, helped enormously by “handyman” Tony."