One of the winners in Keighley’s best-kept garden contest has dedicated his gold medal to the memory of a fellow green-fingered enthusiast who died last month.

Jeffrey Parker and his wife, Marilyn, won the accolade in the annual competition organised by the Keighley in Bloom (KiB) partnership.

They were friends and near-neighbours of KiB stalwart, Bob Horrell, who died in Airedale Hospital after a short illness.

“We’d known Bob for about ten years and became very friendly through our shared interest in gardening,” said Mr Parker, 67, of Camborne Way in Keighley.

“We want to dedicate the medal to him and to his wife, Janet.”

Mr and Mrs Parker, who are both retired, won gold in the best garden category of the contest.

“We have taken part now for about seven years and won a few gold medals – it’s lovely to receive a medal but we do the gardening for the enjoyment, not to win in the competition,” said Mr Parker, who used to work in maintenance for Bradford Council.

“We’re both keen gardeners. My wife does the flowers and hanging baskets and I see to the lawn!”

A gold medal in the same category, as well as in the allotment section, went to Noel Kitchen, who has been a keen gardener for more than 20 years.

His main forte is growing vegetables on his allotment, and he has won many trophies at shows.

But he also loves tending his garden in Westburn Crescent, Keighley.

“It just gives me so much enjoyment and I like the garden to look nice,” said Mr Kitchen, 64, a retired grounds maintenance supervisor.

“Everyone has their hobby and this is mine – it keeps me busy!”

Mike Cunningham, a member of the KiB steering group, said the standards in this year’s contest – which attracted nearly 40 entries – had been extremely high.

“Thanks go to all the entrants – the time and effort people spent on their gardens certainly showed,” he added.

“All four judges commented on the high standard of gardens, particularly in the container and commercial classes.”

He urges people to get involved in the competition next year.