I FEEL I must put pen to paper to congratulate all those Calderdale communities who did so well in this year's Yorkshire in Bloom competition.

The results have been outstanding and I don't think enough publicity has been given to this good news, which celebrates the efforts and commitment to their communities of so many people.

Mill Bank, Todmorden, and Ravenscliffe High School all won their individual categories. Ripponden, Manor Heath Jungle Experience, Woolshops shopping centre and the Lord Nelson, Luddenden, all received gold awards. Halifax was only beaten by Harrogate in the large town section, no shame there. Brighouse received a silver award and Sowerby Bridge bronze.

In addition there were 22 awards throughout Calderdale given to village communities, single street, charitable institutions and public houses.

Even more encouraging were eight awards for young people, ranging from schools to Guide and Brownie groups.

Yorkshire in Bloom is not just about pretty flower displays. Great emphasis is placed on community involvement, sustainable planting, general tidiness and lack of litter.

Workers from Calder-dale Council have worked alongside and given advice and encouragement to local communities and a big thank you is due to them, but at the end of the day it is the army of volunteers who work so hard to improve their environment who deserve our thanks.

Margaret Crawshaw