Durham Mayor Councillor Ray Gibbon paid tribute to the efforts of the city's parks and gardens department in adding the latest accolade to the civic roll of honour.

Councillor Gibbon collected the award for the best Best Large Town.

It maintains the city's reputation having enjoyed success at both regional and national level in such competitions.

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.

"We appreciate all the floral displays but it is easy to forget the efforts that go on behind the scenes to achieve these results.

"It is very much a team effort from the people who plant them to the people who are planning these displays."

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.