SCHOOLS and community groups are celebrating today – as winners of the 2012 Yorkshire in Bloom competition.

Keen gardeners across the Kirklees and Calderdale areas were among the winners of gold, silver and gilt awards in the contest staged by the Royal Horticultural Society as part of its Britain in Bloom campaign.

There were 270 entries in Yorkshire compared with 261 last year. The winners recognised for their fantastic floral displays included schools, local groups, pubs, hotels and visitor attractions.

Among villages to win, Upper Hopton won gold while Holmfirth, Elland and Ripponden took silver.

Overgate Hospice at Elland and the Farmers Arms at Holmfirth also won silver while visitor attractions to land gold included Cannon Hall and Oakwell Hall and Country Park.

Bailiff Bridge Memorial Park, Barkisland in Bloom and Friends of Highfield Community Orchard were all recognised for their endeavours.

Brighouse schools were among the medals – with Carr Green Primary and St John’s School getting gold, St Joseph’s School winning silver and St Chad’s School picking up bronze.

The results of Yorkshire in Bloom 2012 were announced at York Racecourse when more than 400 people representing the winners attended.