The triple bid for glory is on as Durham, Chester-le-Street and Stanley are set to blossom in this year’s Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Northumbria in Bloom competition.
Durham County Council and other partners, who make up the ‘In Bloom’ groups, will be supporting Durham, Chester-le-Street and Stanley in their bid for success in the competition.
After winning gold in last year’s large town category and in 2014, Durham City has been invited to take part in the Champion of Champions’ category for 2016, this is a first for the city.
Chester-le-Street is aiming to repeat its success in last year’s competition when the town achieved silver a gilt award. Stanley, which also achieved silver as a first time entrant in the town category in 2015 will also be aiming high.
The launch events took place at Durham City’s Botanic Gardens, Chester-le-Street Riverside Park and Stanley Civic Centre on Wednesday 23 March 2016.
Northumbria in Bloom spring judging will take place during April, with the summer judging being held in July.
Following on from its gold award winning entries in the 2014 and 2015 National RHS Britain in Bloom competition, Durham City has been invited this year to also take part in the Champion of Champions’ category of the UK finals.
Oliver Sherratt, Durham County Council’s corporate director of neighbourhood services, said: “It’s an absolute honour that Durham City has been invited to take part in the Champion of Champions’ category of both Northumbria in Bloom and Britain in Bloom in 2016.
“We are also proud to support both Chester-le-Street and Stanley in their bids for success in Northumbria in Bloom competition. A host of town and parish council led entries from across County Durham are also entering Northumbria in Bloom.
“This is all testament to the terrific hard work and dedication of all who are involved in the local ‘In Bloom’ groups.
“Everybody has worked together in partnership to improve the local environment and to make the county more attractive, cleaner and greener while at the same time promoting community spirit and civic pride.
Cllr Brian Stephens, Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, added: “We wouldn’t have got this far in both competitions if it wasn’t for all the hard work of residents, partners and volunteers.
“We would like to say thank you for all the time and effort people have put in to the In Bloom campaign and hope we can continue our success this year.”
For more information visit www.durham.gov.uk/inbloom or follow the campaign at www.facebook.com/durhambloom.