THE community's response to Darlington's Britain in Bloom bid has received praise from leading figures in the town.

Darlington Town Centre Forum heard how working together and individually businesses had combined to make the town a floral feast for residents and visitors.

The Northern Echo has been working with Darlington Borough Council to promote the efforts, and Editor Peter Barron received an award from council leader John Williams for the paper's efforts.

As well as weekly coverage by journalist Richard Barker, a special edition of the paper was printed on the day when the Britain in Bloom judges arrived in the town.

Terry Collins, the council's leisure services manager, said: "We have managed to engage the community and make this a real community effort within Darlington.

"It has certainly impressed the judges and created a lot of interest within the town.

"Everybody seems to be talking about Britain in Bloom."

Councillor Williams said: "The success of delivering a flower-filled town and hopefully going on to win an award is testament to the hard work of the council staff, all the people at the council nursery who grow the flowers.

"It is an example of the successful partnerships we have developed here in Darlington."

Mr Barron said The Northern Echo's efforts were part of the paper's community spirit, rather than a matter of jumping on the bandwagon of the town's perennial floral success.

"I think the real credit is owed to the people who are responsible for the floral displays," he said.