THE Queen's Head, on the corner of Sherburn Road and Gilesgate in Durham, looks unassuming enough from the front.

But hidden away at the back is a gem of a garden, which has just earned the drinking hole the title of best kept pub grounds, in the Beautiful Durham competition run by Durham City Council.

It boasts a waterfall, a beer garden with seperate drinking areas for adults, barbecue, umpteen hanging baskets and tubs and a large aviary, with quails, parrots, finches and an array of exotic birds.

The garden is a labour of love for landlady Linda Gibson, helped by pub regular Jonny Weirs, who volunteers his labour.