THE winners of the Darlington Council's annual gardening competition have been presented with trophies and certificates.

The Darlington in Bloom competition gave residents the chance to show their gardening skills and helped the town in the Northumbria in Bloom competition - the town winning the best small city category.

Plants were given to schools to help them create floral displays, and community groups were also asked to help.

On Wednesday, at The Dolphin Centre, residents and groups who were successful in the Darlington in Bloom competition received prizes from Mayor Stella Robson.

Best Town Garden: T and A Robinson, Killin Road, Darlington. Runner-up - T and H Neave, Edgcombe Drive, Darlington.

Best Town Back Yard: S Lerigo, Park Lane, Darlington. Runner-up - J and P Christian, Greenbank Road, Darlington.

Best Public House: T Garnett, The Britannia, Darlington. Runner-up - R and C Swain, Walworth Castle Hotel.

Rural Garden Area 1: D Thompson, Merrybent, Darlington. Runner-up - D. Murphy, Aspen Grove, School Aycliffe.

Rural Back Yard/Planters Area 1: J Moses, South View, Heighington. Runner-up - R Boynton, South View, Heighington.

Rural Garden Area 3: A Widmer, Abbey Road, Sadberge. Runner-up - J Vogwill, Church View, Bishopton.

Rural Back Yard/Planters Area 3: D Rickerby, Church View, Bishopton.

Rural Garden Area 4: L Davies, The Oaklands, Middleton-One-Row. Runner-up - S M Short, Palm Tree Villas, Middleton St George.

Rural Back Yard/Planters Area 4: M Clemence, Dinsdale Court, Middleton St George.

Best Newcomer: P and A Colley, Eden Crescent, Darlington.

Best Overall Entry: T and A Robinson, Killin Road, Darlington.

Secondary School: Branksome Comprehensive School, Egglestone View, Darlington.

Primary School: Dodmire Infant School, Rydal Road, Darlington.