Durham City has won the Best Large Town category in this year's Northumbria in Bloom awards.
The mayor, Councillor Ray Gibbon, paid tribute to the efforts of the city's parks and gardens department on Monday when he collected the Scottish and Newcastle Trophy for the Best Large Town .
Coun Gibbon said: "I think the parks people have done a wonderful job once again.
"They are the unsung heroes and they do a tremendous job throughout the whole city area."
Durham must now wait to see if it is selected by the Northumbria in Bloom committee as one of five representatives for the region at the full Britain in Bloom awards.
l Belmont won an Award of Merit in the Best Urban Community category.
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