Brian Oldroyd, of Denham Street, scooped first prize for his stunning front floral garden and vegetable garden at the back.

Batley in Bloom judges loved Mr Oldroyd's colourful garden, which he likened to "a rainbow". He said: "There are that many different plants of different colours. I couldn't say how many.

"I do a little bit on the garden, and then have a coffee, then a little bit more, then another coffee and a little more work, and so on."

Mr Oldroyd, who is retired, started on the gardening masterpiece when he and wife moved in to the house 11 years ago.

Now there are eight plots and also a rockery, while flowers line the path and add to two circle features in the middle of the lawn.

Mr Oldroyd said: "I'm really proud of what I have done. It keeps me going. I don't want to just sit and do nothing. Everybody who comes and sees it says I should enter it in competitions because it would win first prize. But it was a surprise winning this. I'm very happy. "

Runners-up were Mr Andrew Binns and also Mrs Eileen West for their garden entries.

Mrs West said she built up her beautiful garden from scratch when she moved to her new home six years ago. Businesses, places of worship and pubs were also urged to enter the competition to show off their tidy premises and any floral features used to spruce up their sites.

The Rose of York in Bradford Road won the award for best-kept pub, St Saviour's Church in Brownhill won the best place of worship. And the best-kept business prize went to Batley Resource Centre in Commercial Street.

Soothill's allotment in between Clutton Street and Broomsdale Road won the best allotment award.

The competition, co-ordinated by Batley and Dewsbury towns' management team, urged keen gardeners to enter the annual competition.

The winners and runners-up are also being featured in Batley's portfolio for its bid to win the Yorkshire in Bloom contest.

Viv Edmonds, assistant towns' manager, said: "Everyone's efforts really make the whole district look bright and alive with flowers, bringing life and colour to our towns.

"The judging of the gardens was not easy this year. We were really impressed by the way that so many people were working, not just for their own pleasure, but to enhance the area around them."

Tong Garden Centre sponsored the competition and hosted the presentation event announcing the winners. Coun Mary Harkin presented the awards.