GREEN-fingered volunteers who helped make a city look blooming great this summer have been thanked for their efforts.

Durham is going for gold in the large town category at this year’s Britain in Bloom contest.

Competition judges toured the area on Sunday, August 7, and around 1,000 volunteers have dedicated nearly 4,000 hours to making the city look its best.

Terry Collins, chair of the County Durham Environment Partnership, presented those involved with a special Caring for your Environment award as a way of thanking them.

“The amount of hard work local residents, businesses, partners, groups and staff have put into the Durham in Bloom campaign has been incredible.

“I would like to thank everyone – from Durham County Council’s Clean and Green and Civic Pride teams to young people, volunteers, project workers and businesses – for their wonderful efforts.

“Durham is a beautiful and historic city. We are extremely proud of our heritage but we are even more proud of those who help to make it a better place to live, work and visit – it is a testament to the passion and pride people have in their area.

“Everyone has done a tremendous job and deserves the highest recognition.

“The horticultural initiatives will last well into the future and go a long way to putting Durham on the map nationally in the Britain in Bloom competition.”

The Britain in Bloom winners will be announced on Thursday, October 16. Sedgefield is competing in the small town category.