FIVE North-East cemeteries are bidding to be voted the best in the UK.

Graveyards in Spennymoor, Tudhoe, Easington Colliery and Chester-le-Street, all County Durham, are entered in the Cemetery of the Year award.

Last year's winner was Thorpe Road, near Horden, County Durham.

In Spennymoor, the extra kindnesses that are shown by staff could help to tip the scales.

Floral displays at the Rock Road site are often courtesy of caretaker Mel Crossley, who grows plants from cuttings for grieving relatives to decorate the graves of their loved ones.

At nearby Tudhoe, also maintained by Spennymoor Town Council, John Cheeseman collects conkers for youngsters.

Terry Robson, the town council's clerk, said yesterday: "We are proud or our cemeteries and we hope that the efforts of our staff will be rewarded.

"They have built up a wonderful relationship with members of the public because they have a great commitment."

The awards, which were launched in 1998 and are sponsored by the Confederation of Burial Authorities, aim to encourage high standards among the nation's cemeteries, and raise public awareness of their importance to communities.

This year's record entry of 44 burial grounds have come from across the UK.

Judges assessing a wide range of areas will visit between now and mid-August, when a shortlist will be announced.

Winners will be revealed on September 18, at the Joint Conference for Burial and Cremation Authorities, which will be held in Buxton, Derbyshire.