BLOOMIN' marvellous gardeners around Bishop Auckland have been rewarded for their efforts to brighten up the town.

Bishop Auckland Civic Society held its tenth annual Bishop Auckland In Bloom contest this month and chairman Robert McManners said it was one of the best yet.

Dr McManners said: "The Society supports any efforts to improve the town's environment and the more flowers and well kept land there is the nicer it looks."

A new category was added this year - allotment gardens - to complement already popular vegetable shows by looking at the whole allotment rather than produce.

Taking the top spot was Dougie Hatton, with the South Church Lane allotment he shares with friends Morris Hutchfield, Ray Dougill, Bobby Ross and Davey Kitchen.

Mr Hatton said: "I started gardening, mainly growing vegetables for our use, 25 years ago just as a hobby for us all but we were really happy to win."

Other winners were: Mr and Mrs Pincher of Church Drive, Windsor Court in May Street, and Mr and Mrs Shaw of Cockton Hill Road (front garden); Mrs Chapman of Watling Road, Mr Robinson of Sunnybrow and Mrs Hutchinson of West Auckland (back garden); Mr and Mrs Stephenson of Greenfields Road, Mr and Mrs Santon of Grey Street and Mr and Mrs Wager of Escomb Road (yard); Mr Hatton of Beech Road, Mr and Mrs Matthews of Woodhouse Lane and Mr Nicholson of St Andrews Road (allotment).