Durham is one of the cleanest cities in the UK according to new research by a waste company.
A study by Waste Direct analysed more than 40 major UK cities, considering factors such as air quality, drinking water quality, and rubbish disposal.
Durham ranked fifth overall and was praised for its strong drinking water quality and effective environmental management.
It also scored highly for cleanliness and green spaces, earning a high rating for parks.
Durham's air quality was found to be better than Exeter's, and it had the highest rubbish disposal satisfaction rate among all the cities on the list.
Evie Graham, a spokesperson from Waste Direct, said: "Environmental measurements across British urban areas show how well-maintained streets, good air and water quality, thoughtful building layouts, and plenty of green spaces blend together to create livable urban environments.
"The findings demonstrate that careful urban development, when balanced with strong environmental standards, creates not just functional spaces but clean and tidy neighbourhoods that support both physical and social well-being.
"Investing in environmental quality isn't just about conservation - it's about creating urban spaces where communities can flourish."
Most read
- 'Luxury' boutique Durham hotel on the market for £2,000,000
- Devoted dad steps up to Darlington's Strictly Challenge
- Durham County Council approve affordable homes for village
Dundee topped the list with a composite score of 82, boasting the highest air quality and drinking water quality scores.
Exeter came second, followed by Milton Keynes and Chester.
Oxford, Belfast, York, Sheffield, and Derby completed the top 10.
The study used data from Numbeo and World Population Review to ensure reliable measurements across all locations.
Dundee's green spaces scored 80, and its high public accessibility reinforced its position as the UK's cleanest urban centre.
Exeter recorded the highest score in urban cleanliness metrics, supported by an efficient waste management system.
Milton Keynes had the highest rate for green spaces and parks quality at 87.5, ensuring its spot as one of the cleanest cities in the UK.
Chester exceeded Dundee with a perfect 100 score for its comfortable public spaces, providing plenty of green spaces and parks.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here