JUDGES from a horticultural competition have been inspecting a woodland garden at a north Durham primary school.

Representatives from the Royal Horticultural Society's Northumbria in Bloom were at Greenland Community Primary School in South Moor, near Stanley.

They saw how volunteers have transformed the former allotment site into an outdoor learning environment for pupils.

Acting headteacher Mark Stewart said: “We are delighted with how it has gone and showed them around so they could see the transformation for themselves."

Tomorrow, the judges are visiting Durham Botanic Garden on Hollingside Lane in Durham and on Friday they will be at Ropery Lane Cemetery in Chester-le-Street.

Durham City is also competing in the national Britain in Bloom contest, which is separate from the regional Northumbria in Bloom competition.

Oliver Sherratt, head of direct services at Durham County Council, said: “County Durham has a proud track record of success in Northumbria in Bloom across a number of our towns and villages providing stunning displays thanks to the hard work of volunteers, community groups and other organisations.

“As part of the spring visits of the judges, we are delighted to welcome them to Durham City, Chester-le-Street and Stanley, where they can see first-hand some of the excellent work going on.”