Graham Leeman, from Little Smeaton Gardening Club, had the difficult task of picking the top three gardens from among the 14 entries when he judged the popular village event last month.

Ian McDonagh, of West Lane, took the top spot, with Jean and George Gratton, of Main Road, coming second and Beryl Phillipson, of West Lane, placed third.

Ian said: "I'm pleased to have won. I do spend a considerable amount of time in my garden and I'm a contractor, so I usually take a few months off in the summer to work on it."

Bloom committee member Beryl Phillipson said: "All the gardens were excellent.

"The judge said considering the weather we had had, everything was looking in tip-top condition. All the lawns looked nice and fresh, and he thought we had all done very well."

A presentation ceremony and supper took place at the Wheatsheaf Inn following the judging.

Winners each received a cup and a share of the prize fund, which was donated by Eileen Boldon and family in memory of their husband and father Geoff, who died last year and had been very involved with village activities.