DURHAM'S race to be the country's greenest town or city enters the home straight today.

The cathedral city currently lies 78th in the list of 613 towns and cities across the UK, with 38 environment-saving pledges having been made.

Green promises from residents mean that in a year's time, the town's effort will have saved 145kg of carbon dioxide from being emitted into the atmosphere, 3,989 litres of water from being wasted, 10kg of waste from going to landfill or incinerators and 38 plastic bags from spending years in a landfill site without breaking down.

But Durham will not be the top North-East town without a spate of extra pledges.

This spot is currently occupied by Newcastle, with 178 pledges. Middlesborough, Stockton and Darlington are all also ahead in the pledge stakes.

Since March, people have been urged to make pledges for World Environment Day on the Environment Agency's website.

There are 12 personal and 12 corporate pledges, simple things like turning off the tap when brushing your teeth, composting waste and encouraging staff to car-share.

World Environment Day co-ordinator Stacey Powell said: "Small changes can make a huge difference if many people make them.

"The people of Durham should be proud that they've made the effort so far, but there's plenty of room for improvement."