AN appeal has been issued for villagers to support efforts to win an award in this year's Northumbria in Bloom competition.

Residents, businesses and community groups are being urged to helped make Sedgefield look as attractive as possible.

Bloom judges will be in the village this morning for their first visit of this year's competition.

Mayor of Sedgefield, Councillor Maxine Robinson, is urging villagers to help to give a good impression by having their gardens neat and tidy.

She also urges anyone with time to spare to join a litter pick around the village green and around their own property before the judges arrive.