Durham welcomes Northumbria in Bloom judges

Northumbria in Bloom judges have met with our representatives and Durham in Bloom partners for a tour of the city's offerings as part of this year's competition.

Guided tour of displays and environmental campaigns 

Peter Thompson, horticultural groundsperson from Durham's Botanic Gardens (left) with Northumbria in Bloom judges Ann Burns and Albert Paterson.

The judges began their visit to Durham with a guided tour of the Botanic Gardens, before calling at a number of Durham in Bloom partner locations, viewing environmental improvement projects and community volunteer work.

They also viewed a range of sustainable planting and seasonal displays around the city before visiting St Cuthbert's Hospice, Wharton Park and Lanchester Road Hospital.

In last year's RHS Community Awards, Durham was rated as outstanding in its Cultivating Your Community category, with green-fingered groups, volunteers and residents hoping for further success this year.

Bringing cheer to everyone 

Cllr Mark Wilkes, Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and climate change, said: "We are very proud to have introduced the judges to some of the many groups and partners who put so much effort into making our city so colourful and welcoming to visitors.

"A lot of hard work goes into environment improvements right across County Durham and we are hopeful that we can follow last year's success and help to bring cheer to everyone who lives, works in and visits Durham."

Judges will return to the county in the summer ahead of the competition results being announced in September.