At a ceremony in Barnsley earlier this week, Todmorden was presented with a silver gilt in the town section and Tod in Bloom members are now setting their sights on a gold medal next year.

Spokeswoman Jean Butterworth said they were delighted with the result. She said: "On the day the judges came they did seem quite impressed with our town but you really never know.

"Due to the bad weather, some things have not been as good as we would have liked. We tried different things. Some have come off and some have not worked but you learn from your experience, don't you?"

She thanked the sponsors, local businesses, Todmorden town council, Calderdale Council, the street cleaner and the public for their continued encouragement and support.

Thoughts are already turning to next year and members of the Bloom team have some new ideas which they hope will result in even more success. She said: "We will keep going. It's very encouraging when you are recognised for doing these things.
"I think our town looks good for it and I think the people of the town appreciate it. It's something for us to work on and improve on.
"We've got the harvest celebration with Incredible Edible Todmorden on Sunday. It's all linked and makes for a better town.
"We will continue to do our utmost to keep our town in as prime a condition as possible. We hope we will get some better weather next year and things will be better. We've got some good areas now that are perennial and that's what the judges are looking for.
"We have enjoyed doing what we do and I hope we will keep enjoying it. We are striving for that gold now.
She added that the Bloom team is always looking for volunteers and anybody who would like to help out would be more than welcome.
Coun Amanda Byrne, Calderdale Council's community services portfolio holder, said: "Achieving these high standards is down to the hard work of community groups. Their work in partnership with the council has helped to win a fantastic number of awards and more importantly, to brighten up the area and improve the quality of life for residents and visitors."