A TOWN is looking blooming great following a community planting scheme.

Stanley is now getting ready for a regional competition after several organisations came together to brighten up the area.

Volunteers and Durham County Council’s Clean and Green and Civic Pride Teams planted up the curved planter at the top of Front Street.

Stanley residents also had the opportunity to enter Stanley Town Council’s ‘Blooming good fun’ competition, in which Maureen Smith from East Stanley won a flowering tub.

The town will welcome judges next month as they take part in the Northumbria in Bloom competition.

Last year, Stanley won silver as a first time entrant. Daniel O’Brien, Stanley Area Action Partnership co-ordinator, said: “It’s fantastic to see people come together for such a great project.

“Everyone has worked hard to ensure that Stanley is ready for the judges next month.”

“The judges will be able to see how much hard work has gone into our entry and will see we’re strong contenders for the competition.”