A COMPETITION has been launched to encourage businesses to brighten up Durham with flowers.

Businesses are being asked to decorate their windows with a floral or horticultural theme as part of the Durham in Bloom campaign, which contributes to the city’s entry to Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Northumbria in Bloom contest.

It is being sponsored by the Durham Business Improvement District (BID).

Business engagement manager Adam Deathe said: “The window competition is always well received.

“Every year we’re delighted by how seriously the businesses take the contest, the effort and creativity they put into their displays and the friendly rivalry between neighbours to be crowned the winner of their category, ready for when the judges arrive in the city.”

There are three categories; shop windows, market stalls and non-retail business.

There will also be a people’s choice award, which members of the public can vote for by visiting the Durham in Bloom Facebook page.

Northumbria in Bloom judges will choose the winners when they visit Durham in July.