A NEW type of chrysanthemum has been named after the town where its creator spent many years judging flower shows.

The pink bloom has been christened Aycliffe by Bill Florentine, who lives in Durham City but is a regular visitor to the town.

Mr Florentine was a judge at the Newton Aycliffe Working Men's Club's annual leek and flower show for several years until his retirement.

He developed the new species over many years and has now had it officially recognised by the Royal Horticultural Society.

He so enjoyed judging at the club, that he has decided to name his flower Aycliffe.

Club chairman Nigel Parker said: "They've had a flower show at the club since it opened in 1959 and Mr Florentine has been a judge for many years. He retired this year, but he's been cultivating this chrysanthemum and called it Aycliffe. I suppose he must have a special thing for Aycliffe because he has been judging the flower show for so long."

A framed certificate from the Royal Horticultural Society authenticating the flower has been presented to club officials. It will hang in the Great Aycliffe Town Council offices, with a duplicate displayed at the club.

Mr Parker said: "We are overwhelmed by the gesture and as proud as punch to think that we have had a flower named after Aycliffe.

"They feel the same way at the council, and they are recommending it is put in flower beds in the town this year."