WITH just a week to go until Northumbria In Bloom judges visit Darlington, residents are being encouraged to get their premises into shape.

A week ahead of the official visit, representatives of Darlington Borough Council toured the town yesterday to present their own awards.

They will name the best floral displays at a shop, pub, residential property and school next week.

Council spokesman Terry Collins said: "Darlington has always done really well in the competition, but we don't want to get complacent. As well as all the displays created by the council, we want people to make sure their homes and other areas in the town look good."