County Durham has done ‘blooming’ great in a regional gardening competition winning a series of awards including best overall entry.
Durham City and Chester-le-Street won their categories in the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Northumbria in Bloom competition, while the former was also judged to be the best overall entry on the back of its success at national and regional level last year.
There was also success for Stanley while the county clinched a series of special awards including four for Durham County Council employees past and present.
County triumphs were as follows:
- Durham (small city category) – Gold, category winner and the Percy Boydell Trophy for best overall entry.
- Chester le Street (large town category) – Silver Gilt and category winner.
- Stanley (town category) – Silver.
Special awards went to:
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- The Court Inn, Durham (best pub/hotel category) Gold and category winner.
- Durham Business Improvement District (best city or town centre or BID) Gold and category winner.
- Durham University Botanic Garden (best tourist or visitor attraction) Gold and category winner.
- Roz Layton – St Oswald’s and Stockton Road churchyards, Durham (outstanding contribution by a volunteer.)
- Retired council gardeners Brian Palmer and Philip Robson (outstanding contributions by a salaried individual.z
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- Martin Briscoe, the council’s clean and green team (outstanding contribution by a salaried individual.)
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- Geoff Knight, the council’s civic pride team (outstanding contribution by a salaried individual.)
Entries for Durham City, Chester-le-Street and Stanley were submitted by the council while staff from the authority also worked with local In Bloom groups – made up of residents, schools, businesses and volunteers – to get the communities looking shipshape in time for judges’ visits.
The judges were bowled over by Durham City, saying: “Having won Gold last year in the national RHS Britain in Bloom Champion of Champions competition, and winning the Regional Northumbria in Bloom Champion of Champions trophy as well, Durham has not rested on its well-deserved laurels; the city is immaculate and delightful, with numerous new projects having come into fruition and the publication of an outstanding sculpture trail leaflet.
“There is a great feeling of enthusiasm among those responsible for achieving this standard and their efforts have also been acknowledged elsewhere, with 12 Green Flag awards and Keep Britain Tidy’s Local Authority of the Year award to add to their impressive collection.
“There is a very strong momentum in place which bodes well for the future.”
The outstanding contribution awards were given following nominations.
Brian and Philip were honoured having hung up their trowels after a combined 82 years’ service in May.
Oliver Sherratt, the council’s head of direct services, said: “We are absolutely delighted to see that, once again, Durham City, Chester-le-Street and Stanley have been chosen by the Northumbria in Bloom judges for these prestigious awards.
“For Durham City to win best overall entry on the back of its Champion of Champions success last year is truly remarkable and for the efforts of our staff past and present to be recognised is tremendous.
“We know there were a number of victories for other In Bloom groups across County Durham and our hearty congratulations go to them.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has played their part by giving their time and effort towards helping our county scoop these fantastic honours.”
Cllr Brian Stephens, the council’s Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, said: “It’s fantastic to see the hard work we do with our In Bloom partners continuing to reap rewards.
“Durham City, Chester-le-Street and Stanley are not only award winners but attractive places to live, work and visit and that’s all thanks to the efforts of our staff and partners.”
To find out more, visit www.durham.gov.uk/inbloom