Spectacular floral features were on display throughout Darlington in a bid to wow judges of a prestigious regional competition.
The town is taking part in the annual Northumbria in Bloom competition after being awarded a Silver Gilt in the ‘best city centre’ category last year. And this year council officials hope to go one better and bring home a gold award.
Two Northumbria in Bloom judges visited Darlington on Wednesday after a previous visit in May and were guided around the town to assess the work local teams and partners do to make Darlington bloom.
The improvements to South Park, in particular the partnership work with the Friends of South Park and Street Champions, who volunteer their time to help keep our town and park clean, tidy, and at their best, were commended.
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The council has entered the following categories:
· Best city centre – town centre
· Best religious establishment - Atisha KMC Buddhist Centre
· Best park - South Park
· Best public house - The Tapas Bar
James Buxton the Tapas bar general manager, said “I am delighted we have been chosen to enter the ‘best public house’ category in this prestigious annual competition, we love tending to our blooms to delight our customers and it’s great our floral efforts help the town and are rewarded – I wish everyone the very best of luck.”
Jonathan Dulston, leader of the council, added: “Once again, our town will be on show, and we hope you will help us in our quest to strive for gold and put our town on the horticultural map.”
“No matter how big or small your garden, yard, communal piece of outdoor space - please enjoy keeping it tidy, clean, and cultivated.”
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