JUDGES from Northumbria in Bloom dodged the rain yesterday when they paid a visit to Darlington.

Judges toured the town, admiring the floral displays, before calling for lunch at Stressholme Golf Club.

Organisers are hoping to make this year the tenth in a row that Darlington has won the Best Small City category.

"We've got our fingers crossed we'll make it yet another win for the town," said a Darlington Borough Council spokeswoman. "Although the wet weather was a little disappointing today, the judges were very impressed with the quality and variety of floral displays throughout the borough."

Darlington will find out if it has been successful in the regional contest in the autumn.

This year's Darlington in Bloom competition has attracted 47 household entries. The winner will be announced at the end of this month.