THE blooming health of former pit sites has provided inspiration for a flowerbed competition.

Chester-le-Street District Council has submitted an entry to a national flower show for councils. Entitled Sunset on our Mining Past, it is designed to reflect the reclamation of colliery sites in the region.

A record number of competitors will be taking part in the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Britain in Bloom National Flowerbed Competition in Tatton Park, Cheshire, next month.

Nineteen local authorities from across the country are taking part in the contest, which runs from July 17 to July 21. They will be using 50,000 bedding plants provided by international floriculturists Ball Colegrave.

Max de Soissons, of the RHS, said it was the first year that the competition had achieved national status.