COUNTY Durham's heritage is being celebrated in flowers in a bid to help win Britain in Bloom.

The 3D carpet bed installations have been planted as part in Durham City as part of its entry into the

Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Northumbria in Bloom and Britain in Bloom competitions.

A floral Bishop’s Mitre has been installed at the Prince Bishops Shopping Centre while a St Cuthbert’s Cross has been planted near Durham Cathedral.

Alan Patrickson, head of Durham County Council direct services, said: “We are always looking at different ways to engage with the public about the benefits of the Bloom campaigns.

“In recognition of Durham’s rich heritage, we are privileged to have two fantastic floral 3D displays, which we’re sure will prove popular with the people who visit, live and work in Durham.

“We are very grateful to both the Prince Bishops Shopping Centre and Durham University for displaying the installations on their premises and supporting our In Bloom campaigns.

Steve Andsell, horticulture manager at Durham University said: “It is a pleasure to work with our colleagues at Durham County Council and support the In Bloom campaign. I’m sure that visitors to Durham will appreciate these spectacular displays.”

Both displays were funded by the Durham Area Action Partnership.

Judges are due to visit Durham next Wednesday, July 20 and on August 2.