A TOWN'S high street will be lined with blossoming baskets and a floral sculpture to try to clinch another award.

After winning five awards in Northumbria In Bloom last year, Stockton Borough Council's bid to win a place in this year's Britain in Bloom competition has been given a boost.

Castlegate Shopping Centre has bought 44 hanging baskets, to be placed along the front of the centre to Bridge Road, which will be in the same colours as the rest of the High Street, to link with the council's display.

It has also written to all of the businesses in the centre to encourage support for this year's competition

Wellington Square will be part of the judging route and will have a range of floral displays throughout the centre in the summer.

Other businesses are being encouraged to help, and are asked to contact the council's Care For Your Area Team on (01642) 391959 for advice.

Judges will visit Stockton on April 18, May 12, July 31 and August 11.

Councillor Steve Nelson, the council's cabinet member for the environment, said: "We are delighted to receive the support from both shopping centres. Our success to date in the competitions has been built on partnerships and joint working and this is something we hope to develop further in future years."