CHESTER-le-Street residents have been given a special award for their efforts to improve their surroundings.

The County Durham Environment Partnership honoured the Central Residents’ Association It after it spruced up a bare patch of land by placing planters containing flowers and installing a new commemorative bench to improve the appearance of the entrance to the Osborne Road car park in the town centre.

The project received a £500 grant from the Chester-le-Street and District Area Action Partnership (AAP) last year and the residents’ association has continued to maintain the area ever since.

The old metal seat at the site was replaced with a brand new wooden bench, which was designed with the help of students atPark View School.

The design features the town crest, depicting a St Cuthbert’s Cross as well as the Spring Gentian – the flower of County Durham.

The clean-up project was also recognised in 2013 when the group was awarded an ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ accolade in the Northumbria in Bloom competition.

At a special ceremony on Thursday ( November 6), Terry Collins, chairman of the County Durham Environment Partnership, handed association chairman Derek Briggs the ‘Caring for your Environment’ award.

Mr Collins said: “This is an excellent example of local people taking responsibility and making a difference to their local environment.

“The project has been made possible thanks to the dedication, commitment and hard work of all those involved and is a clear demonstration of the pride people have in their local area.”