JUDGES are casting an eye over rival bids for a prestigious competition.

Durham City is up against Chester-le-Street in the Large Town category in this year’s Northumbria In Bloom contest.

Show judges have today (TUES) been in Durham and on Thursday move on to Chester-le-Street to consider their respective claims to the title.

During the visit to Durham City, which won gold last year, judges visited the city’s train station, where youngsters on the Haggrid and Eddy projects have brightened up the station entrance with planters filled with sustainable plants.

They also visited the gardens at St Cuthbert’s Hospice, Durham University's Botanic Gardens and the native wood scheme at Low Burnhall, which has been developed by the Woodland Trust.

In Chester-le-Street, which last year took silver, the judges will pay visits to Riverside Park, Ropery Lane cemetery and the town centre, meeting community groups and partners involved in their bid for glory in this year’s competition.

Oliver Sherratt, head of direct services at Durham County Council, said: “We are extremely pleased to be welcoming the Northumbria in Bloom judges to Durham City and Chester-le-Street to showcase our ‘altogether greener’ credentials.

“All partners of the In Bloom group have worked particularly hard this year and it is excellent to see their work recognised. Durham’s representation in Northumbria in Bloom also contributes to the Britain in Bloom competition so it is an exciting and fantastic achievement at regional and national level.”