PEOPLE are being urged to get behind a city's entry in this year's Britain in Bloom competition.

Durham has reached the finals in seven of the past ten years and was the overall winner in 1995.

Durham City Council now hopes residents, community groups, businesses and organisations will do their bit to make 2004 another year of success.

Supporters of the council's drive include Durham Cathedral, Durham County Council, Durham Markets Company, and the Milburngate and Prince Bishops shopping centres.

"The competition is not just about hanging baskets, it is about what happens in the city 12 months of the year and community involvement," said the city's Britain in Bloom co-ordinator Andrew Jackson.

"The judges want to see overall improvement in the environment and community participation, and are looking at things like graffiti, litter and dog fouling.

"Last year when they came they were very interested in our recycling initiatives and conservation projects we have been working on."

An estimated 55,000 flowers will be planted in baskets and tubs in the next few weeks.

Mr Jackson said the council's sponsor a basket scheme was popular with many businesses in the city.

The city will be competing in the large town/small city category and is due to be inspected by the judges on Wednesday, August 4.

The competition's winners will be announced at a finals ceremony to be held in Leeds, on Thursday, September 23.

Anyone wanting to get involved with the city's Britain in Bloom efforts is asked to call Mr Jackson on 0191-301 8693 for more details.