PUBS, care homes, a prison and proud householders were among those honoured for their efforts to make their city beautiful.

There were 13 category winners and five judges’ prizes handed out at the 30th annual Beautiful Durham awards, held at Durham Town Hall on Wednesday night.

The top award, for the best overall entry, went to T&B Ewin, of Durham, who also won the best large house garden prize and received a merit in the best allotment or kitchen garden category.

Durham Prison picked up the special contribution award, The Court Inn was named the best business premises and Sunderland Bridge was named Durham’s best kept residential area and best small village.

The Orchards, in Brandon picked up two awards and High Shincliffe and Belmont Parish won the best village and best large village honours, respectively.

The judges' special awards went to HMP Durham (Special Contribution), the Daleside Arms in Croxdale (Best New Entry), Belmont Allotments Club (Environmental Award), Bowburn Care Home (Discretionary Award) and T&B Ewin, of Durham (Best Overall Entry).

Councillor Jan Blakey, chairman of Durham County Council, which organises the free-to-enter contest, handed out the awards.

She said: “The standard of entries in this year’s competition was exceptionally high once again and everyone who took part should be proud of their wonderful floral displays and for helping ensure the city remains beautiful.

“It’s a real honour to be able to hand out all the awards to the deserving recipients and we thank them all for taking part in a milestone year for the competition – here’s to another 30 years of Beautiful Durham.”

The entries contributed to Durham’s efforts in the Northumbria in Bloom and Britain in Bloom competitions.

Judging took place in July, when observers considered visual impact, colour/texture, presentation, maintenance, environmental awareness and, where appropriate, community involvement.

Oliver Sherratt, the council’s head of direct services, said: “The judges were extremely impressed with all the efforts in what was an extra special year for the competition as it celebrated its 30th anniversary.

“This builds on the success we enjoyed last month in the regional Northumbria in Bloom competition where Durham City won gold.

“We are now keeping our fingers crossed for yet more success in the national Britain in Bloom contest when the results are announced next week.”

The Beautiful Durham awards were sponsored by Belmont Parish Council, Brandon and Byshottles Parish Council, Shadforth Parish Council, City of Durham Trust, Event Durham, Poplar Tree Garden Centre and local councillors.