TODMORDEN is to be entered in the national Britain in Bloom competition next year after the success of a group of residents in brightening up the town.

Judges for this year's regional heats praised the residents and said their work had been good enough to represent Yorkshire and Humberside for the national award in 2007.

The inspectors gave recognition of the difficulties being faced in the town, such as roadwork upheaval and flood defence work.

The judges reported: "The enthusiastic team were not deterred by severe flooding and hailstone damage only 10 days before judging day when a change in the route was enforced."

A jubilant voluntary secretary Jean Butterworth said: "All the hard work has paid off. People from the Royal Horticultural Society said Todmorden was good enough to represent the region in Britain in Bloom. I can't think of a higher accolade than that!

"It's going to be difficult because they don't have set judging times - they just turn up, twice in the spring and summer. We'll have to plan well in advance so that we can put on a top show.

"Every year we try to keep the planters looking good over the winter because the displays aren't just for the judges. They're there for the whole town. And the whole town can take pride in what has been won."

Mrs Butterworth said many organisations and individuals had helped with various donations of cash, while other people had helped by weeding and tidying up areas in their neighbourhood.

She added: "It really has ben a team effort, and everyone can feel very proud.

"Although it is always very good and really encouraging to do well in the competition, the main aim of Todmorden in Bloom is to make our town at attractive place to live and to encourage visitors to return again, which our group feels, with the people of Todmorden's help, is now happening. "

The chairman of Todmorden town council's amenities committee, Coun Joe Rez, praised the residents. She said: "When they asked for a grant to help them with the costs of buying the bulbs, plants, fertiliser and everything else, we had no idea what they could achieve.

"They have done a magnificent job and the town looks all the better for it. I hope this praise will encourage other people to take a pride in our town."