FERRYHILL is preparing for the arrival of Northumbria In Bloom judges.

The judges will spend an hour in the town on Wednesday, and residents are urged to help make the area look its best.

The judges will travel along Wood Lane, Cleves Avenue, Rudds Hill, Duncombe Bank, Mainsforth Road, Ferryhill Station towards the Surtees and back up to Dean Road, Darlington Road, Durham Road, the Market Place, followed by the road to Dean Bank Park.

Jamie Corrigan, Ferryhill Town Council's executive officer, said: "The town is blooming with hanging baskets and flower beds. We hope residents along the route the judges are to take will make an extra effort to ensure their gardens are looking at their very best.

"The efforts of the many volunteers and sponsors have helped to make the town a picture of summer bloom yet again."

Judging for the best gardens has recently been completed by Doreen Barber and Zena Roddam. The winners will be announced soon.