Volunteers come together for Cleckheaton in Bloom campaign

Hanging baskets were unveiled in Savoy Square, with geraniums and petulas adding colour to the town centre.

The traders, schools and others, such as Beardsworths Nurseries, who are involved hope it marks the beginning of regular projects under the Cleckheaton in Bloom name.

Volunteer Viv Laycock, who also heads the town’s Chamber of Trade, said: “If we can make a right good show of it, next year we might end up of competition standard – I’m up for that.

“Everybody has got behind us for these flowers. It’s a community town.

“I’m hoping that more people will jump on board.”

Children from Whitechapel Primary, Heaton Avenue Primary and Howard Park Community schools also helped with the ceremony.

Mrs Laycock said: “I am flattered – I think it’s good that children want to get involved.”

Cash for the baskets were part-contributed by the area committee, who granted £3,300 to the group after a successful application.

But more than £2,000 was raised at the fifth annual race night at Cleckheaton Golf Club on April 12, topping last year’s takings of £1,400.

This included the sponsoring of horses from £28 to £50 by local businesses, whose names have been put on flower pots in honour of their contribution.

Seventy-two of the 106 ticket holders also chipped in by betting on the horses, with extra cash raised in a raffle.

Pots will be planted in summer and winter, costing £21 a year to water.