HUNDREDS of packets of seed have been donated to schools and community projects to help a city bloom.

Poplar Tree Garden Centre, in Shincliffe has donated the wildflower, vegetable and bedding flower seeds to groups in Durham to be planted as part of the city’s RHS In Bloom campaign.

Among those to receive the seeds was Gilesgate Primary School, which has won a number of awards for its allotments.

Pauline Walker, Durham County Council’s senior civic pride officer, said: “Durham is a beautiful city and it’s great that the garden centre has donated these seeds which will further improve the appearance of the area, as well as providing important natural habitats for pollinators like bees.

“Gilesgate Primary School has worked exceptionally hard on its allotment and pupils are now looking forward to meeting the Northumbria in Bloom judges during their visit in July to speak about their work.”

The garden centre is a long-term sponsor of the Durham in Bloom campaign and Beautiful Durham competition.