A CEREMONY has been held to honour the green-fingered gardeners who make their city so beautiful.

The 32nd annual Beautiful Durham awards, run by Durham County Council, encourages residents, businesses, schools and community groups to brighten up their properties and public spaces across the city and surrounding villages.

Fred and Bonny Bainbridge, from Brancepeth, won the best overall entry and Adam Foster, of Sherburn Primary School, was given a special recognition for enthusiasm and commitment award.

In all, awards were presented in 13 categories following judging in July.

All entries contributed to the city’s gold medal in the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Northumbria in Bloom competition.

Cllr Bill Kellett, Chairman of the Council and Mayor of Durham City, presented the certificates and trophies.

“I am delighted to present these awards which recognise those who have made an excellent contribution to their local environment,” he said.

“This competition enables local amateur gardeners to showcase their greener credentials and all those who have taken part should be proud of their hard work over the last year.”

Cllr Brian Stephens, Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, said: “Thank you to everyone who took part in the annual Beautiful Durham competition, which continues to go from strength to strength.

“I’m sure most people would agree all entries are winners, as they have helped make Durham and surrounding villages such an attractive place to live, study, work and visit.”