Darlington'S bid for Britain In Bloom glory was launched yesterday - with an appeal for the community to help the town's ambitions blossom.

National judges are due in Darlington on August 17 to decide whether it should be named Best Small City.

The emphasis is on community involvement and The Northern Echo, which sponsors the roundabout at the junction of Victoria Road and Grange Road, is one of the organisations lending its support.

Terry Collins, leisure services manager for the council, said: "We want to see pubs, shops, businesses and individuals making an effort to create as much colour as possible, because it will all make a difference."

The council is also inviting nominations for the most attractive school display, with the prize being a trophy and the use of the authority's award-winning horticultural experts to help landscape an area of land.

There will also be a trophy and a commemorative certificate for the best decorated pub and the best residential property.

For every hanging basket sold by the council, £1 will be donated to St Teresa's Hospice.

The bid was launched yesterday by council leader John Williams. He was joined by the chairman of the Darlington Partnership Alasdair MacConachie, the editor of The Northern Echo Peter Barron, and Cornmill shopping centre manager Albion Small, who are acting as "bloom ambassadors" for the town.

Mr MacConachie said: "We are proud of Darlington's reputation for its magnificent floral displays and we want the whole community to show its support."

Schools, pubs, companies and individuals wishing to take part should contact (01325) 388412