Barnsley town centre has been awarded a prestigious gold rose award by Yorkshire in Bloom judges.

The town was the top spot for a number of reasons- for the way the heritage of the town is being celebrated, for the safe feeling of a major underpass and the floral displays.

The judges were impressed by Experience Barnsley and say the town centre is generally very clean.

They added: "An important environmental aspect is the way the market area Alhambra Shopping Centre and adjacent underpasses are managed.  The area projects a feeling of safety and openness, and free from any feeling of aggression.

"Throughout the town centre there are many floral displays, and well maintained grass areas, contributing to a positive ambience."

Also awarded a gold rose in its section is Barnsley Hospice which is praised for its well cared for grounds which are described as " bright and colourful".

Elsecar park and local nature reserve also gets a gold award in the parks section of the awards. The judges say it is obvious why they are so popular adding: "The high levels of maintenance of what is a public park, with considerable visitor numbers are to be applauded."

Cannon Hall and its country park has been given a silver gilt award.

Darton primary school has notched up a silver rose award for its amazing garden project and outdoor wildlife area lessons and Wilthorpe primary's extensive grounds that include large playing fields, woodland, orchard and vegetable garden, looked after by the after school garden club,  has been given a bronze rose.

St Thomas's Church community garden in Thurlstone is also a winner in the It's your Neighbourhood category. Behind the church guides, brownies and scouts have created a community garden where they are also growing vegetables.