Bishop Auckland has scooped gold and been crowned the North East's best large town at this year's Northumbria in Bloom Awards.
The County Durham town won a Gold Award before taking the Large Town title ahead of Durham, Alnwick and Chester-le-Street.
Representatives from Bishop Auckland Town Council's Greener Together group travelled to Gateshead for the annual awards ceremony, where the town was recognised for its efforts to improve green spaces, boost biodiversity and bring communities together.
Mayor Michael Siddle, who chairs the Greener Together group, said the award reflected the efforts of volunteers, community groups and organisations across the town.
He said: "We are absolutely delighted to have received Gold and to have been named the winner of the Large Town category.
"This achievement reflects the hard work, dedication and passion of so many individuals, community groups and organisations who care deeply about Bishop Auckland.
"Everyone involved should be extremely proud of what has been achieved."
Mayor Michael Siddle with Volunteer Agnes Wasiluk, a representative of the Greener Together Group, receiving the award from Rae Beckwith, Senior RHS Britain In Bloom UK Finals Judge and Chelsea Flower Show Judge. (Image: SUPPLIED)
Mr Siddle said taking responsibility for town centre planting from Durham County Council had been a significant step for the town council.
He said: "Taking over the responsibility of town centre planting from Durham County Council has been a huge step for the town council this year, not just in terms of financial investment but investment into partnerships and collaboration.
"The partnerships we are building see real action where people are coming together to transform spaces, improve biodiversity and bring life and colour to disused spaces."
The awards also brought success for several other organisations in Bishop Auckland.
Bishop Auckland Hospital Garden received a Gold Award and was named Best in Class, while Auckland Palace secured a Gold Award in the Visitor Attraction category.
Cultivate 4 Life achieved a Level 5 Outstanding It's Your Neighbourhood Award and Green Matters received a Level 2 Improving It's Your Neighbourhood Award for its work at Cockton Hill Bowling Green.
The Northumbria in Bloom programme celebrates the efforts of volunteers, community groups, organisations and residents who work throughout the year to make their areas greener, cleaner and more attractive places to live, work and visit.
The initiative is now managed by the town council through its Greener Together partnership, which brings together local groups and organisations to deliver environmental improvements across Bishop Auckland.
Town Clerk Sarah Harris said the judges had been particularly impressed by the level of community involvement behind the projects.
She said: "Through our Greener Together partnership, we have extended the town centre planting this year and transformed areas on Kingsway and the railway station, with further improvements to these areas and new projects being planned for early 2027.
"The transformation at the railway station alone has seen more than 10 different groups and organisations contribute, including the college and schools.
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"The judges commented on the strong engagement and partnership working which Bishop Auckland has built, showing that the success at the 2026 Northumbria in Bloom Awards is one for all to share."
She added that a celebration event for those involved in the projects is planned for October.
The Northumbria in Bloom competition was established in 1964, providing historical context for the programme's longstanding role in encouraging greener communities.