VILLAGERS are hoping to wow Britain in Bloom judges by giving them a tour in a horse and carriage.

National competition chiefs will be visiting Aycliffe Village on Tuesday to assess its entry to the contest.

They will be treated to coffee at The County pub, where Prime Minister Tony Blair once dined with his French counterpart, Jaques Chirac, before setting off on a tour of the village.

But rather than sitting the judges in a car, the Aycliffe Action Group thinks it can go one better.

Committee member Bill Blenkinsopp said: "If we went in a car it would only take ten minutes because it's such a small village.

"So we thought if we got a horse and carriage they could take their time and we can show off the village to its full advantage."

The unusual transport is being provided at a reduced price by Kenny Wilson, of Coundon.

Following the tour, the judges will be returning to The County for a buffet lunch.

Mr Blenkinsopp said the village had never looked better and urged residents to do their bit ahead of Tuesday's visit.

He said: "I hope the people of the village will come on board.

"The judges like to see weed free gardens, so I'd urge people just to tidy up around their houses, maybe put a tub out and make sure the village is looking as good as possible on Tuesday."