THE Golden Lion toppled the Dun Cow Inn from the top spot in Sedgefield Civic Trust's annual floral competition.

The pub won the George Robinson Trophy for commercial properties, a category which the Dun Cow has won several times. But this year the pub had to settle for third place, with the Nags Head Hotel claiming second position.

The Doris Etherington Cup for non-commercial properties in the conservation area was won by Mr and Mrs Stringwell, of Coach Cottage, with Mr and Mrs G Burns, of East End, second, and Mr and Mrs L Mitchell, of Stockton Road, in third place.

The Monica Cunningham Cup for best non-commercial property (northern section) was won by Mr and Mrs N Daniels, of Beech Oval. Second was Mr R Bell, of Rowan Oval, with Mr and Mrs K Saiger, Kerr Crescent, third.

The Monica Waters Cup for the best non-commercial property (southern section) was won by Mr and Mrs H Allenson, of Spring Lane. Joint second were Mr and Mrs R Wright, of Station Road, and Mr and Mrs L Hartgrove. Third was Mrs M Galley, of Hadleigh Close.

Awards chairman John Ingham said the high standard of competition had presented the judges with a difficult task.

The presentation of awards will take place in Sedgefield Parish Hall on September 5, at 7.30pm.