IT has been a delight to see Darlington looking so attractive over the past few weeks, especially when the Britain in Bloom judges visited on Friday.

The judges were impressed with the way the town's entry was a collective effort.

The council took the lead and many local companies - Bussey and Armstrong, Cleveland Bridge, the Cornmill Centre, Asda, The Northern Echo - fell in behind it financially.

Numerous small businesses, shops and pubs played their part, as did voluntary groups and schools.

The judges met children from Harrowgate Hill school, who have been working on a wildflower meadow and a garden of geometric shapes.

And, of course, hundreds of ordinary people have tried their hardest to get their gardens ship-shape.

One of the judges, Doug Stacey, said: "Britain in Bloom is not just about partnerships between councils and businesses. It is about combinations to get everyone in the community involved. It is important for everyone to play their part.

"Some people feel powerless, that they cannot influence the environment in which they live. But if everyone plays a part with their own front gardens and keeping their area litter-free, they all contribute to the environment. Afterall, we only get the environment we deserve."

There is still much to do in Darlington. An elderly man walking past the judges in the Market Square suggested, in a loud voice, that they should be inspecting the toilets. The Northern Echo has also carried letters and articles about the state of South Park.

But Britain in Bloom has shown that when the whole community does pull together, Darlington can be one of the most attractive places in the country to live.

When the flowers are over and autumn comes, it will be worth remembering that everyone - council, businesses and local residents - have played a play in maintaining the environment in which we live.

WHILE viewing the flowers from High Row, the one glaring spot on the street is the former Dressers shop.

In past years, Dressers was one of the staunchest supporters of Britain in Bloom. Its hanging baskets were a picture.

The sign now hanging over the property says it is "Another Development by Terrace Hill".

So far, that development consists of some rather scruffy blue boarding, which seems destined to be a canvas for graffiti, and some cheap, bare chipboard.

As we said, everyone - council, residents and businesses - has a part to play in maintaining our environment. Hopefully Terrace Hill will soon be playing its part.