A CITY'S latest gilt-edged achievement in the Britain in Bloom competition was heralded as a partnership effort between local people and a council workforce.

But planning is already under way to possibly give Durham a gold award in next year's competition.

The city received a silver gilt award in the recent ceremony in Leeds.

The gilt title means it is a slight improvement on the straight silver award won by Durham in the large town/small city category in both of the past two years.

It was the highest honour for any of the six North-East finalists in the national competition.

Judges from the Royal Horticultural Society described Durham as a lovely place to live or work in, or visit.

They praised the excellent progress being made between the city council and commercial and voluntary sectors of local society, as well as praising the growing contribution of the whole community.

New initiatives, including the city's Spring into Summer campaign and its Neighbourhood Warden scheme, were also contributory factors referred to by the judging panel.

Councillor Fraser Reynolds, the city council's environment portfolio holder, said: "We are delighted that the local community, working in partnership with the city council and its environment team, has reached such high standards within the Britain in Bloom campaign.

"Sometimes it has been an uphill struggle, especially with the weather we have had this summer, so it's great that everyone's efforts and hard work have been recognised and rewarded.

"We're already planning how we can enhance the local surroundings still further to create a greener and cleaner environment."

Coun Reynolds said it could lead to Durham stepping up to achieve gold in future years in Britain in Bloom.