JUDGES from Britain In Bloom will be in Durham City today as the city goes for gold in the national competition.

A team from the Royal Horticultural Society will run the rule over the flower beds, displays and landscaping works, which it is hoped will capture the title in this year's competition.

The city is representing the region in the annual contest after winning last year's Northumbria In Bloom title.

Judges Clive Addison and Roger Burnett will make a two-and-a-half hour tour of the city to look at key sites, including the University Hospital, Aykley Heads, Wharton Park, Houghall College, the university and the cathedral.

Councillor Grenville Holland, environment and leisure portfolio holder at Durham City Council, said: "We are looking forward to welcoming the Britain In Bloom judges, particularly as Durham looks better than ever this year.

"The team at the city council put in a huge effort each year to ensure Durham looks stunning and it is rewarding to be honoured by being able to take part in a prestigious competition such as Britain In Bloom.

"The main aim of our environmental work is to make our district an outstanding place for local people, and the local community makes an immense contribution to our success."

Last year, the city received a silver award in the competition and this year is one of 58 entries vying for the title.

The winners will be announced in Cardiff on September 28.