JUDGES of this year's Northumbria in Bloom competition have hailed the region's colourful towns and cities for producing the highest ever standard of entries.

More than 30 awards were handed out at The Stadium of Light, Sunderland, in the competition which rewards floral excellence and community pride.

Darlington was this year's big winner, claiming the coveted Percy Boydell Trophy for the best overall entry and being named the best large city for the sixth year in a row.

Now hopes are high that Darlington will be able to win the national Britain in Bloom title, which it last claimed in 1997.

Coun Dorothy Long, cabinet member for leisure on Darlington Borough Council, said: "We're particularly pleased to win the best overall entry because we were up against some wonderful places and we're hoping to repeat our success in the national competition. We've got our fingers crossed."

Coun Long paid tribute to the council's horticultural and leisure services staff and congratulated Darlington Chamber of Trade for their award in the commerce section.

Judges said Darlington represented the true image of Britain in Bloom and praised the outstanding contribution from commerce, residents and the local authority.

Elsewhere Sunderland, last year's overall winner, beat Newcastle to the best large city award.

A former winner of the national title, council staff have high hopes of a top award in the European equivalent, the Entante Florale, the results of which are announced on Friday.

Durham won the large town trophy for the fifth year in a row. Jeff Riddell, head of environment and leisure services at Durham City Council, said: "We're absolutely delighted. It's more than just planting flowers, it's all about street cleaning, litter picking, refuse collection and all environmental areas."

Other victors included Saltburn-by-the Sea, which won the best small town section.

It's entry included a replica of the Victorian Saltburn pier, which was reopened on the same day judging for the competition took place.

Sedgefield kept up its remarkable run by winning in the best small country town category for the ninth consecutive year.

And near neighbours Aycliffe Village claimed the best large village trophy crown.

Maxine Robinson of the Sedgefield in Bloom Committee said: "We're absolutely delighted and its all down to people coming out and supporting us."