Green-fingered Grace Coop loves nothing better than making sure Starbeck is looking its best for local communities.
Having moved to the village 12 years ago, she is a member of the award-winning Starbeck in Bloom group and is passionate about improving community spaces.
Grace and 22 volunteers are involved in litter picking, planting, weeding and fundraising to keep Starbeck looking clean and tidy.
Their hard work paid off last year when they were awarded gold in Yorkshire in Bloom’s urban community category.
In the run-up to competitions and judging days, volunteers wash the street furniture such as the benches and rubbish bins along with working on any other areas that need a touch of care and attention.
Grace said: “Over the years, I have been involved in many litter picks. We often collect six to seven bags of rubbish, covering the whole of Starbeck, including the Northern Rail station and Starbeck Library’s garden.
“We plant bulbs and perennials where they are needed, plant the containers with annuals and keep them watered and deadheaded, prune the shrubs, and litter pick when necessary.
“I enjoy being out in the fresh air doing a worthwhile task, looking back and seeing an area we've cleared of weeds or rubbish or seeing the colourful flowering areas I have helped to make.
“We know that the people who live in Starbeck appreciate what we do - they often stop and tell us so. Most of all, I enjoy the friendship of the others in the group.”