Click here to see pictures from the town or get involved

DARLINGTON is holding its breath and hoping for success after a visit from the Northumbria in Bloom judges yesterday.

The town is hoping to go one better than its best city award in the competition last year, by claiming the overall award for excellence.

Months of work came to an end yesterday as the judges toured the town with Darlington Borough Council's team of gardeners from Woodburn Nursery.

This year the borough council has been keen to promote the importance of making the town's entry a community effort, by encouraging pubs, schools and businesses to create floral displays.

The town is also aiming for success in the Britain in Bloom best small city category, which The Northern Echo is supporting.

After their tour of the town, the two judges took time out to chat to the team of gardeners involved with Darlington's entry, as well as The Northern Echo's editor, Peter Barron.

Northumbria in Bloom judge Cynthia Scott said the community involvement had been obvious.

"Everywhere you go you can tell the effort that people have put into making Darlington look so good. It is great that The Northern Echo has become so involved, because it helps to get the message to a wider audience," she said.

The results of the competition will be announced in September.

Judging for the Britain in Bloom competition takes place on Friday, August 17.

As part of the Britain in Bloom effort, Darlington council will present the school with the best display with a trophy and a team of landscapers for a chosen area of land.

There will also be prizes for the best decorated pub, house, shop and voluntary project.

To get involved in the effort simply fill in the Darlington in Bloom entry form here.