THE best gardens and flower displays in Darlington have been named with only four days to go until Northumbria in Bloom judges visit the town.

Darlington Borough Council organised its own Darlington in Bloom contest with four categories to honour residents' efforts and get them involved in the regional competition.

Judges named Bramwell Jewellers, on Posthouse Wynd, as best shop, Heighington Primary won best school, the best pub was the Falchion in Blackwellgate, and Mr Sargent, of Holyrood Avenue, Hummersnott, won best residential flower display.

Rebecca Williams, horticultural manager at the council, said: "Bramwell's had a lovely display and the Falchion had beautiful hanging baskets, as it does each year.

"We chose Mr Sargent's garden because it had a beautiful display of deep red roses in a corner of Hummersknott, and I am sure a lot of people get pleasure from his garden.

"Heighington Primary was chosen because of its massive environmental efforts this year, including planting black poplar trees, which are increasingly rare, and creating a sensory garden for everyone to enjoy.

"No one entered this competition, our judges just went around Darlington and picked the best gardens and displays. It was our way of making everyone a part of the Bloom competition."