Judges from Britain In Bloom agreed that Durham was bloomin’ marvellous as they awarded the city with gold in the Champion of Champion’s category at this year’s awards.

The results of the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) Britain in Bloom competition, were announced at a ceremony in London on Friday night.

Although pipped to the post by overall category winners Perth, judges commented that all entrants in the category had excelled this year, with Durham praised for its commitment to educating the next generation of horticulturalists and for creating a vibrant buzz where everyone feels part of a community.

Praise was also reserved for the community garden at Wharton Park, displays in Durham City Centre and the grounds of Durham Cathedral.

Durham had initially qualified for this year’s Britain In Bloom Champion of Champions category after being crowned ‘Best Small City’ in the UK as part of last year’s awards.

Judge’s visited Durham earlier in the year where they marvelled at a number of displays, including a spectacular 3D mitre display in Durham City market place, and a flowery tribute on Durham City’s Gilesgate roundabout, which celebrated 150 years of the region’s mining union history.

Cllr Brian Stephens, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, said: “What an amazing year it has been for County Durham.

“I am incredibly proud of the effort put in by staff from the county council, town and parish councils, schools, community organisations, and most of all an army of committed volunteers. It’s because of all their hard work that the county is such a vibrant, beautiful place to live, work and visit.”

Durham In Bloom is a huge community effort involving volunteers, groups, businesses and organisations including Durham University, Durham BID, Durham Cathedral and St Cuthbert’s Hospice.

Other partners include the Durham Area Action Partnership, Believe Housing, Durham Markets Company, Gilesgate Primary School, HMP Durham, St. Oswald’s Church, Haggrid Project, Prince Bishops Shopping Centre, Woodland Trust and St. Margaret’s Allotments, City of Durham Parish Council, and London North Eastern Railway (LNER).

To find out more about In Bloom efforts in County Durham, visit www.durham.gov.uk/inbloom