GREEN-fingered businesses have celebrated their successes at this year’s Huddersfield in Bloom awards.

The awards were presented at a ceremony held at Huddersfield Central Lodge.

Overall winners were McNulty’s Funeral Service, of New North Parade, which was presented with the Huddersfield Civic Society Rose Bowl for Floral Excellence.

Assistant town centre manager Julia Lilof, was impressed with this year’s effort.

She said: “The town has looked really lovely this summer. Weather conditions have meant that hanging baskets and planters have lasted five weeks longer this year.

“The award ceremony is our way of saying thank you to all the businesses that help make Huddersfield a nice place to live, work and do business.”

Winners of the Huddersfield in Bloom and Green Business Awards were decided by a committee, who presented certificates in different categories to businesses at the event.

Each year dozens of businesses add splashes of colour to the town by displaying blooms in baskets and window boxes.

Local business woman Vicky Devlin from Market Walk-based Shaw & Hallas said: “The displays this year that were provided by Kirklees’ Bradley Nurseries were the best we have ever had.

“They really helped enhance the visitor’s experience in the town and made our town centre more attractive.”

Businesses who had worked hard to reduce their environmental impact, by initiatives including recycling and using energy saving equipment, were also rewarded.

First prize went to TransPennine Express, while second and third prizes were awarded to Term Time Wear and Huddersfield Central Lodge.

Jim Porter, of the Green Business Network, said: “All the winners had worked hard to reduce their environmental impact and are a great example of the initiatives that businesses and organisations can take to save money by reducing their energy, water, waste disposal and transport costs.”

Huddersfield in bloom winners:

Licensed premises: The County Hotel – Huddersfield Central Lodge

Shopping centres: Kingsgate

Large commercial: Strawberry Fair

Small commercial: McNulty’s Funeral Service

Public buildings: Huddersfield Open Market

Out of town licensed premises: The Star, Fenay Bridge

Out of town small commercial: Villa Farm Shop

Overall winner: McNulty’s Funeral Service