A KEEN gardener has scooped an award for the third year in a row.
Ronald Cheetham, of Browning Hill, Coxhoe, was awarded first prize in the Best Older Persons Large House Garden category of this year's Beautiful Durham competition.
He received a plaque for his garden on three levels, including two fountains and an array of different flowers.
Mr Cheetham, 69, began entering gardening competitions three years ago following the death of his son, Peter, in a motorcycling accident.
He said it had helped him come to terms with his loss.
"Before my son died, we came up with an idea of what to do with the garden - then I had to progress with it myself," he said.
"It has blocked out a bit of the sadness."
Having plaques and certificates for each of the three years he has entered the Beautiful Durham competition, organised by Durham City Council, Mr Cheetham hopes to go one better next year.
"I'm going for the cup next year," he said.
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