THE heroic efforts of a Saltburn community worker have been honoured with a major award.

Jackie Taylor was hailed as the driving force behind the town's success in various bloom competitions.

And at Durham Cathedral last week she received the Moran Memorial Award for outstanding personal contribution to this year's Britain in Bloom challenge.

But for Miss Taylor the accolade was tinged with sadness. Despite a massive community involvement, Saltburn was narrowly beaten in the contest's small town category.

Judges Jim Buttress and Walter Gilmour said of her contribution to Saltburn's entry: "The inspiration and driving force behind this unique town is Jackie Taylor.

"The commitment and dedication by this lady borders on the heroic. Her enthusiasm was unsurpassed by anyone else."

Miss Taylor was modest about her accolade.

She said: "Success only comes through team-work. A project such as this is a jigsaw and everyone has a part."

Organised by the Tidy Britain Group, Britain in Bloom encourages people in communities of all sizes to work together to achieve long-lasting improvements to their environments