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Class C1 Small City

There were seven entries in the class in 2007, one was awarded a Bronze medal, three Silver, two Silver Gilt and one Gold.

The two cities which won the Silver Gilt medals are Gateshead and Darlington.

Durham moved up from a silver gilt medal last year to gold standard this summer. A lovely city , well maintained and presented, the judges were impressed by the public and commercial involvement which enhances the work of the local authority. They commended the carpet bedding and the planting in the roundabouts, in tubs and on top of bus shelters. 

The permanent planting at County Hall was excellent. Durham's thriving allotments, the botanic garden with its impressive wild flower meadow, the arboretum at Houghall College and general attention to biodiversity and cleanliness gave it top marks.

 
Class C2 City

Stockton on Tees was the only entrant in this class again. Last year it did well with marks just short of Gold.  This year it raised its standards even further and attained a gold medal for its efforts.

The judges said the town centre was amazing with outstanding floral impact. In Ropner Park, which has also won an award for biodiversity, bedding displays were highlighted by the floral butterflies and wildflower meadow.  The sustainable planting in all areas was first class. The ground cover planting was effective throughout the commercial premises and the residential areas was first class. The standard of grass cutting was the best seen anywhere considering the weather. The Billingham Beck conservation area is very well presented, with good educational value for schoolchildren and visitors. The absence of litter had to be seen to be believed in this busy commercial town and the environmental information stand in the market square was fascinating. 

C3 Large City

Sunderland held its position this year with another Silver Gilt medal. The judges said its floral displays, particularly in Mowbray Park, were outstanding, the jewel in the Sunderland crown. The roadside planting and approach areas were well planted and mature. The overall grass maintenance was of exceptional standard.  The Billy Hardy Sports complex and Doxford Business Park were excellent examples of first class maintenance. The Hylton Dene conservation area is a great outdoor facility for the city and visitors to enjoy.  School children had created areas of wild flowers. 

The cleanliness of the city was outstanding and the immaculate street furniture greatly enhanced the overall effect.  The promotion of the In Bloom campaign was very evident as local press and radio coverage spread the word.

D1 Urban Community

There were five entries in this class. Two were awarded Bronze medals, one Silver and one Silver Gilt.

Rowlands Gill came top in this class again with another Silver Gilt award. It was praised for continuing to set a high standard and for the overall quality, design and maintenance of the floral displays, especially in Derwent Park. 

The involvement of the local school in the designing and planting of two beds is to be commended. The standard of grass cutting and the appearance of grassed areas was impressive.

The judges were particularly pleased by the new bird hide at Thornley Woods and the continued good management at Far Pastures to protect and encourage wildlife.  There is a high standard of cleanliness in both public and private gardens.

D2 Urban Regeneration

No medals were awarded but the judges hope Windmill Hills with 500 dwellings will continue to enter. Well supported by the local authority it is tidy but needs much more involvement from the residents themselves.