FLORAL champions received a big "thank you" from the organisers of Darlington's bid for Britain in Bloom glory yesterday.

The winners of Darlington Borough Council's competition to find the best floral displays in the town were awarded with certificates for their outstanding efforts.

The challenge to find the best displays was part of the council's bid to make Darlington's entry in the Best Small City category a real community effort.

Pubs, schools, businesses, individuals and voluntary groups in Darlington were encouraged to put their gardening skills to good use.

The town's Britain in Bloom award bid has been supported by The Northern Echo.

Yesterday, editor Peter Barron and Terry Collins, the council's leisure services manager, presented competition winners with their certificates.

Michelle Parkes, the council's sponsorship manager, said the contest had really boosted the town's challenge for honours.

She said: "We wanted to make this a real community effort and get as many sectors involved as we could.

"The idea really took off and the response has been really positive. It encouraged people to make an extra effort with their displays. We would like to thank everyone who made an effort with their floral displays."

The winner of the best commercial premises went to the Darlington Bedding Centre. The best pub award was won by the Pennyweight, and the best voluntary project prize went to Red Hall Community Association.

The winner of the best residential property, Myra Ridley, of Caledonian Way, in Darlington, was presented with her certificate last month.

The best school category will be judged at the start of the autumn term. The winning school, which will receive a free garden makeover by the council's team of gardeners, will be announced in the next few weeks.

Britain in Bloom judges visited the town on August 17. The winners of the contest will be announced later this year.