OF THE Northumbria in Bloom winners announced this week, none are prouder that the villagers of Sedgefield, in County Durham.

Named best small county town for the eighth year running, the village is now preparing for its sixth assault on the Britain in Bloom title, and residents believe this could be their year for national honours.

Sedgefield's mayor, Councillor Maxine Robinson, said: "We are absolutely delighted.

"At the end of the day, it's down to a lot of people throughout the village putting a tremendous amount of work in - from their own gardens through to helping their neighbours."

She praised the village's bloom committee, and singled out gardener Les Parish.

"He works over and above the call of duty," she said, adding that 90 per cent of the residents had made an effort.

Bloom judges said their jobs were getting harder every year.

They named Sunderland as best large city for the third year running and best overall entry.

They said: "Sunderland represents the true image of Britain in Bloom. There is an outstanding contribution from commerce, residents and the local authority."

Darlington, for the sixth consecutive year, was named best city. The judges said: "The people of this entry take a great pride in making it a colourful, tidy place to live and work. The overall effect is of a community which cares for its surroundings."

Durham City also extended a winning streak, taking the best large town award for the fourth year running.

Councillor Dennis McMahon, chairman of Durham City Council's community services, said: "Durham's success in this year's Northumbria in Bloom is down to a first-class effort by all sections of the local community in coming together to make Durham bloom."

Brian Taylor, Sunderland City Council's senior development officer for parks, also praised the community effort.

Trevor Cooper, who tended Darlington Borough Council's greens for 25 years before retiring on New Years' Eve, was picked out by judges as winner of the Bob Woolley Award for outstanding commitment.

They said: "He will be a hard act to follow."

And ED Walker Homes in Darlington was a winner, taking the Ron Grubb Memorial Trophy for having the best grounds of an old people's home. Gardener John Cuthbertson has been responsible for the home's nine-and-a-half acres for 13 years, following 18 years in the forestry industry.

The home won the title in 1994, and took a runner-up place in 1992