TWO gardeners who have been tending Durham’s city centre for a combined 82 years are retiring today.

Brian Palmer, 60, and Philip Robson, who is 65 today, started working at Durham City Council in 1976 and have been responsible for keeping the city and its surrounding villages bright and tidy ever since.

The pair have been involved in getting Durham ready for its Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) In Bloom campaigns.

Mr Palmer, who hopes to spend his retirement restoring vintage tractors, said: “I’m so proud to help Durham City win Northumbria in Bloom and secure Golds in Britain in Bloom on so many occasions.

“Working in the city centre means we’re at the ‘front of the scene’ and get to see and chat to a lot of tourists, visitors and the locals – who regularly compliment us on the beautiful hanging baskets, displays and planters.”

Mr Robson, who plans to spend more time in his own garden, added: “I’ll miss Durham City; the people and being part of the team. Generally just mucking in and getting the job done.”