A North-East city was celebrating success in the country's top gardening competition for a second time last night.

Sunderland won the large city title in the Britain in Bloom national finals, announced in Durham Cathedral.

Judges who viewed Sunderland's efforts said: "It is difficult to describe the standards achieved in the parks without the use of such adjectives as exemplary, stunning and brilliant."

Sunderland Mayor Councillor Brian Dodds said: "Sunderland's achievement is a testament to the way our communities cherish and celebrate our horticultural heritage. This award is an award for the people of Sunderland who have contributed so much to Britain in Bloom throughout the year. It is the culmination of ten years' hard work by a whole raft of colleagues - businesses in the city, our communities, agencies, and our workers and colleagues who work on environmental issues."

Darlington lost out to Carlisle in the city section, but the judges praised its efforts.

"The roundabouts in Darlington were absolutely stunning. The diversity of the designs and involvement of previous Chelsea Flower Show exhibits was extremely imaginative," they said.

Sedgefield was unplaced in the small country town section, but the judges commented on its "eye-catching displays".

Harrogate came second in the large town section, with the rose beds at the municipal offices described as a "colourful delight".

Saltburn missed out in the small town section, but Saltburn In Bloom co-ordinator Jackie Taylor won the Moran Memorial Award for her outstanding personal contribution to the effort.

Warkworth, Northumberland, was unplaced in the large village category, but the Royal Quays, at North Shields, was second in the inner city section.

Winners were: Large city, Sunderland; city, Carlisle; large town, Perth, Scotland; town, St Ives, Cornwall; small town: Alness, Scottish Highlands; small country town, Pateley Bridge, Yorkshire; urban community, Hyson Green, Nottingham; village, Scarva, Northern Ireland; large village, Bampton, Devon; Inner city, Portsmouth.

The awards were presented by the Duchess of Northumberland, a keen gardener.

The Tidy Britain Group, which runs the awards, praised Durham City Council for hosting the event.

"It went really well and was an excellent effort," said spokeswoman Janice McGrath.

l The Royal Horticultural Society will take over the running of the awards in 2002