DURHAM City extended its winning streak in the North-umbria in Bloom awards announced this week, taking the best large town award for the fourth year running.

Coun Dennis McMahon, chairman of the city council's community services, said: "Durham's success is down to a first class effort by all sections of the local community in coming together to make Durham bloom"

The city has become the first in the UK to be chosen twice as the host city for the Britain in Bloom National Awards presentation. The cathedral will be the venue for the Millennium celebration awards evening and awards later this month.

The council has worked alongside Tidy Britain Group, the organisers of Britain in Bloom, to put on the competition on September 26 and 27.

The awards presentation was previously held in Dur-ham in 1996, but Tidy Britain have set a precedent by returning to the same venue.

Joint winner of the city category in 1995, the city will also host a seminar on the competition on September 26.

Other local winners: Outstanding effort by a chamber of commerce or equivalent (Horticultural Trades' Association Trophy): Winner - Durham.

Local service by an individual (Bob Woolley Award and Tankards): Runner-up - Grah-am Foster, Durham