County Durham entries have carried off a big bunch of awards following this year’s Northumbria in Bloom competition.

Judges for the annual awards, which are run by the Royal Horticultural Society, visited the county earlier this year.

And they were clearly impressed by what they saw, as entries from across the county dominated winners’ lists in several categories.

Among the many successes were the following entries submitted by Durham County Council and local partners:

  • Durham City – Gold and winner in the Small City category
  • Chester-le-Street – Silver in the Large Towns category
  • Riverside Park – Gold in the Best Parks category
  • Wharton Park – Gold in the Best Parks category
  • Durham BID – Gold and winner in the Best Town Centre Retail Area/Business Improvement Districts category
  • St Cuthbert’s Hospice – Gold and winner in the Best Care/Residential/Convalescent Home/Hospice or Day Centre category
  • Durham Botanic Gardens – Gold and winner in the Best Tourist or Visitor Attraction or Country Estate category
  • Crook Hall and Gardens – Gold in the Best Tourist or Visitor Attraction or Country Estate category
  • St Cuthbert’s RC Church in Chester-le-Street – Gold and winner in the Best Religious Establishment category
  • Durham Cathedral – Gold in the Best Religious Establishment category
  • St Margaret’s Allotments – Gold in the Best Allotments category
  • Lumley Castle – Silver in the Best Hotel/Guest House category

There were also accolades for entries from local communities, town and parish councils and schools, with Durham Gilesgate Primary School scooping yet another win, Seaham taking first place in the Coastal Resort category and Stanley getting Gold in the Large Town category.

Cllr Mark Wilkes, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and climate change, said: “County Durham has a proud record in this competition and year after year we see much-deserved recognition come our way.

“That’s down to the hard work of so many people including staff, volunteers and residents and those involved in community groups, schools, businesses, charities and town and parish councils.

“It’s all about having pride in our area and it’s a great example of the positive difference people can make when they work together and dedicate time and effort to making their area look its best.

“Their displays bring a lot of joy to others and I’d like to thank them for all their work.”

Northumbria in Bloom was set up as one of the founder regions of the national Britain in Bloom competition in 1964.

The awards recognise, encourage and reward community groups who work together to transform their village, town or city through gardening, environmental awareness and community support.

The Northumbria region covers Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, County Durham, and the unitary Council areas of Hartlepool, Stockton, Middlesbrough, and Redcar and Cleveland.

For more information on Northumbria in Bloom visit www.northumbriainbloom.com.