AN annual gardening competition run by Chester-le-Street District Council has been won by Jean and Victor Cox.

A presentation ceremony for all prize winners will be held at Dobbies Garden World, in Birtley - the sponsor of the contest, today.

The competition, open to all tenants in the district, attracted a wide variety of entries to compete for prizes in seven categories.

All entries received were of an exceptional standard.

In July, judges Paul Travis Anderson, manager of Dobbies Garden World, and Graham Cozens, the council's supervisor responsible for the departments of fine turf and floral displays, judged the winner of the competition to be Mr and Mrs Cox, of Cleveland Avenue, in Chester-le-Street.

Second prize was awarded to Alfred Crampton, also of Chester-le-Street, and third was Terence Howey, from Sacriston. In addition to winning the main garden category, Mr and Mrs Cox also won both the hanging baskets, and tubs and containers, categories.

Paul Stephens, acting director of community services, and Paul Travis-Anderson, from Dobbies Garden Centre, said this year's competition was a success.

Mr Stephens said: "We are delighted at the high quality of entries this year.

"The judging was a particularly difficult task this year, given the high standards of design and maintenance. It is very heartening to see the pride and sheer hard work that our tenants put in their gardens."

Dobbies Garden World manager Paul Travis-Anderson saidd: "Dobbies was delighted to sponsor the annual garden competition, and it was a pleasure to see all the wonderful gardens entered."

A photo-display showing the prize-winning gardens is on show in the Civic Centre.