They’ve all been found to be ‘blooming great’ in the past and now they’re gearing up to welcome the judges once again.
Teams at Durham City, Chester-le-Street and Stanley are all putting the final touches to efforts to spruce up their communities ahead of the visit of judges from Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Northumbria in Bloom in the coming days.
Durham City is among the contenders in the ‘Champion of Champions’ category having won double gold and overall category winner in 2014 and 2015.
Impressively, Durham will also be in the ‘Champion of Champions’ category in the national Britain in Bloom competition this year, having also struck gold in that competition in 2014 and 2015.
Chester-le-Street is competing in the large town category, having scooped a Silver Gilt last year.
Stanley is among the runners in the town category in just its second year in the competition, with the community having secured a Silver in its first in 2015.
The communities’ entries have been led by their respective ‘In Bloom’ groups and submitted with support from Durham County Council.
Judges will assess horticultural developments and will make a second visit in the summer.
Various projects and locations will be assessed and judges will meet some of the local volunteers, community groups and organisations which support and take part in schemes throughout the year.
Results will be announced in the autumn.
Alan Patrickson, the county council’s head of direct services, said: “We are extremely pleased to be welcoming the Northumbria in Bloom judges to Durham City, Chester-le-Street and Stanley.
“This will provide a platform to showcase how well partners and organisations make a difference to where they live, work or visit.
“Volunteers and groups work exceptionally well in maintaining and transforming open spaces. Their commitment inspires others to have pride and enthusiasm for other horticultural schemes that add value and will benefit others well into the future.
“We wish all entries well, across the county and North East region as a whole, and we are hopeful of a positive outcome once again for County Durham.”
Judges will be in Durham City on Friday 15 April, Chester-le-Street on Tuesday 19 April and Stanley on Monday 25 April.
To find out more visit www.durham.gov.uk/inbloom or phone 03000 261 000. To keep up to date with Durham City’s Champion of Champions bid on Facebook log on to: www.facebook.com/durhambloom