COMMUNITY efforts to brighten up the streets, parks and gardens of an historic city have been honoured at an awards ceremony.

The results of this year’s Beautiful Durham competition have been announced in a ceremony held in the Town Hall last night.Judges spent the summer checking efforts by individuals, businesses and community groups across Durham to help brighten up the city with floral displays and environmental improvements.

The competition, organised by Durham County Council, also forms part of the city’s entry into the Northumbria in Bloom competition.

The annual contest has 13 categories and five discretionary awards, which are given by the judges to honour special contributions and the best new entry.

Among the winners on the night was the Italian Farmhouse Ristorante and Pizzeria, at West Rainton, which was celebrating a hat-trick after winning the title of Best Business Premises for the third year in a row.

Owner Mark Hird said: "We take great pride in ensuring the venue not only performs well but looks great too.

"We are absolutely delighted to have had these efforts recognised in the Beautiful Durham Awards for the third consecutive year and will work hard to maintain these standards for the months and years to come." Also celebrating were the green-fingered residents of Sunderland Bridge, which won the best small village honour for the third successive year, while High Shincliffe won the best village title it last won in 2010.

Despite being newcomers to the competition, the Garden Club at Camsell Court independent living complex at Durham Moor won two honours: best sheltered accommodation complex and best-kept residential area.

The club’s dedicated members have brought a dash of colour to the lawns and shrubs of the 50-flat complex and entered the awards for the first time.

Club chairman Joyce Wrightson said: "It was really exciting to hear our name called out, it was quite stunning".

Overall winners on the night were keen gardeners Fred and Bonny Bainbridge, who not only took the title of best large garden for their plot at Brancepeth, but were also awarded the WH Wood Cup for the best overall entry in the competition.

Oliver Sherratt, head of direct services at Durham County Council, said: "This has been another successful year for the Beautiful Durham competition.

"We have received some really impressive entries and I’d like to thank all those within the community who took part."