FERRYHILL traders are making a determined effort to improve their town centre.

Ferryhill Town Council has recently bought five flower containers, which will be used for seasonal bedding and, eventually, trees.

They have been placed at various points around the town centre and traders have agreed to sponsor them.

Estate agent Peter Clark, Allisons Butchers, and stonemasons Cleveland Ornamentals have each sponsored a tub, along with the town's e.caf.

Jamie Corrigan, executive officer at Ferryhill Town Council, said: "This is in addition to the existing successful partnership scheme we have with traders.

"We provide them with hanging baskets and containers for their premises, which they buy.

"Last year local traders bought more than 200 hanging baskets and about 100 containers, which obviously improves the appearance of the town centre."

* Estate agent Peter Clark, left, and John Allison, of Allisons Butchers, who have each sponsored one of the new flower containers.