LANDLORD Malcolm Nixon is celebrating winning his town's floral contest for the fourth time in five years.

Mr Nixon, from the Cricketer's Arms, Barnard Castle, received a £50 prize and trophy in the business section of the town council-run competition.

Second prize went to Newgate Gallery and third to Anthony Nixon Furniture.

First prize for gardens was awarded to Joan Kemp-Ambler, of Wellington Road, with Mr and Mrs J Stobbs, of Marwood Drive, second, and Mrs M Nelson, of Birch Road, third. The small gardens class was won by Mrs K Thompson, of Queen Street, with Mr and Mrs G Forrest, of Marshall Street, second, and Miss E D Mitcheson, of Watson Court, third.

Highly commended were Mr and Mrs Ken Stannard, of Bede Road, Mrs Evelyn Jenkinson, of Raby Avenue, Mrs J Hooper of Vere Road, Mrs R Makepeace and Mrs C Sinclair, both Watson Court.