GREEN fingers turned to gold and silver for volunteers in a regional environmental competition.

Durham City scooped gold and was a category winner in the Royal Horticultural Society’s Northumbria In Bloom contest, while Chester-le-Street won silver gilt and Stanley secured silver.

Durham City and Chester-le-Street into the large town category won honours in the large town category announced at a ceremony today, while Stanley was competing in the town section.

There were golds for Sedgefield, Waldridge, Tanfield and Sunderland Bridge (Small Village category winner).

Ferryhill, Newfield/Pelton Lane Ends and Medomsley all picked up silver awards, Chilton, Shotley Bridge and Middleton-in-Teesdale were handed silver gilts, while Belmont, Carrville and Gilesgate Moor secured silver gilt and was named Urban Community category winner.

Cornforth, High Pittington, Low Pittington and Littletown all won bronze, with High Pittington also named ‘most improved’.

Judges visited Durham City, Chester-le-Street and Stanley twice where they met members of the community who were involved in the various environmental improvement projects.

During their visit to Durham City they saw the work of a new project being carried out at HMP Durham, which saw the prison surroundings improved with flower beds and floral containers made by inmates.

In Chester-le-Street judges visited Ropery Lane Cemetery and the town centre and met with community groups and partners involved in the campaign.

Cllr Brian Stephens, Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, Durham County Council, said: “We are thrilled that Durham City, Chester-le-Street and Stanley have all done so well in this year’s Northumbria in Bloom competition.

“Our congratulations also go to a host of towns and villages and other entries from across the county who have enjoyed considerable success as well.