A VILLAGE petrol filling station near Chester-le-Street has been recognised by judges in the North-East's annual floral pride competition.

For among the mentions in dispatches after the main civic accolades at the annual Northumbria in Bloom awards, announced in Hexham last week, were some of the more unsung winners.

These included the ISD Floral Architectures award, which was shared between the Jet Filling Station at Ouston and Rycroft Garage, in Stockton.

News of the success came as something of a surprise to Eric Atkinson, who runs the Ouston Lane premises, among three filling stations he operates across north Durham.

"It's nice to be recognised in something like this," said Mr Atkinson.

"We do try and keep the place tidy and looking nice. I have a local chap, Percy Goundry, who comes and sweeps the forecourt and keeps the weeds out of the tubs. It's been looking nice this summer with some very bright geraniums, but it's really past its best now.