JUDGES have been inspecting the hard work of volunteers who have been brightening up part of north Durham.

Northumbria in Bloom judges were at Lumley Castle, in Chester-le-Street, yesterday to assess their efforts.

Durham County Council’s Civic Pride and Clean and Green teams have joined forces with Chester-le-Street and District Area Action Partnership (AAP), schools, businesses and community groups in their campaign.

Alan Patrickson, the council’s head of direct services for neighbourhood services, said: “Everyone has come together to make Chester-le-Street town a more colourful and attractive place to live and visit.

“The judges were impressed with our efforts last year by rewarding us with a silver gilt and I’m sure we will be able to impress them again.”

Last year the town scooped silver gilt in the Large Town category and are hoping to repeat and improve on their success this year.

Councillor Brian Stephens said: “The town may be blossoming but so are the people who put in so much effort and dedication into their community. It’s always great to see people working together on projects like these.”