Darlington will try to hold on to its floral crown tomorrow when the Northumbria in Bloom judges make their first visit of the year.

Two judges will tour the town for the spring judging of the competition.

Darlington is competing in the small city category, which it won last year, and will be up against Blyth, Cramlington, Durham, Gateshead, Hartlepool, Thornaby and Washington.

The judges will visit various places in the town to see the floral displays, find out how the community has got involved and how graffiti is being dealt with.

They will meet members of the Friends volunteer groups, which have been set up to look after the town's parks, as well as those who work all year to make sure the floral displays look their best.

Councillor Lee Vasey, Darlington Borough Council's cabinet member for leisure services, said: "I am sure the town will be looking its best for the visit by the judges. It would be great if the town could hold onto its title in this competition for the second year running."