A COMMUNITY is celebrating after scooping a blooming marvellous accolade.

Chester-le-Street has won the Best Large Town Award at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Northumbria In Bloom Awards.

The town was chosen as the category winner as a result of the recent efforts to improve the floral displays and in keeping the town clean.

It was awarded a Silver Gilt for the second year running but has shown significant improvements, which has helped it attain the best large town award this year.

Derek Briggs, chairman of the Chester-le-Street Area Action Partnership Improved Environment Task Group, said: “The improvements this year have been brilliant and you can see people in the streets taking time to appreciate the planting schemes and noticing the difference being made.

“Everyone across the whole AAP area seems to be pulling together in support of the different villages and the town.

“We are really pleased with the award as it shines a positive light on the town and is a reward for all those working hard to improve the area.”

A total of fifteen Northumbria In bloom awards were achieved across the AAP area including, Newfield and Pelton Lane Ends, Sacriston, Waldridge and Ouston.

Pubs, such as Whitehills, and the hotel, Lumley Castle, were recognised along with Ropery Lane Cemetery, the Riverside Park and Waldridge Fells.

Durham County Council teams have been a driving force behind many of the awards with the ‘clean sweep’ project, engaging young people in litter picks and in planting many of the beds as well as making bird and bat boxes.