A NORTH-EAST town has once again come up smelling of roses in the Britain in Bloom contest.

Stockton has been named the winner of the best city category, following its silver award in the same category last year.

The latest silver gilt award from the Royal Horticultural Society also comes hot on the heels of Stockton's gold in the recent Northumbria in Bloom awards.

The 68 Britain in Bloom finalists were considered throughout the summer by touring judges, who travelled the length and breadth of the UK looking for quality floral displays, permanent landscaping, sustainable development, local environmental quality and public awareness.

Britain in Bloom judge Roger Burnett said: "Stockton are making a determined effort to achieve a year-on-year improvement in their local environment.

"The engagement with sponsors and local interest groups was commendable, and we were particularly impressed by the exceptionally high standard of seasonal bedding, in terms of plant quality, variety and design."

Councillor Jennie Beaumont, Stockton Borough Council's cabinet member for the environment, said: "This is absolutely fantastic news for Stockton.

"A great deal of hard work, dedication, planning and commitment goes into making the town bloom not only for the competition, but all year round for the people of the borough to enjoy.

"The Care For Your Area team have once again shown their excellence, and I heartily congratulate them for everything they do to make our entry a success."

Durham City narrowly failed in its bid to regain the Britain In Bloom gold it last won in 2005.

The city was awarded silver in the small city/large town category, behind winners Horsham.

Councillor Anji Rae, of Durham City Council, said: "While it is disappointing not to repeat our success in the 2005 competition, it is still a marvellous achievement to reach the finals of Europe's largest environmental competition."

Andrew Jackson, co-ordinator of the Durham in Bloom bid, said: "The competition isn't just about flowers these days, it's about achieving a balance across a whole range of environmental issues.

"Yes, there is the floral side of it, but its also about trees, shrubs, cleanliness and the way the whole community deals with regeneration and how it is involved in sustainability, looking after the resources of the planet."

The region's other representatives, Saltburn and Whitby, both received silver awards in the coastal category