2025 nib
competition results

NORTHUMBRIA IN BLOOM 2025 AWARDS AND FULL RESULTS

BEST OVERALL ENTRY

The Percy Boydell Award

WASHINGTON VILLAGE

“The many and varied volunteer helpers really make Washington Village a very special place to visit.  The In Bloom team have done an amazing job. The overall impression of the village is of well-tended, well-planned and colourful beds with something to look at from every angle; from the village green to the beds and planters along the roads running from it. The pavements and streets are immaculate and the planting is very well planned and maintained. Plenty of funding from various grants and active fund-raising events ensures a steady programme of jobs are carried out and projects have been brought to fruition. This is a haven in the heart of the commuter belt!”

MOST IMPROVED ENTRY

The Whickham Award

MIDDLETON ST. GEORGE

“Middleton St George is an expanding rural town.  It has good community networking links which residents illustrated by the continuity of floral containers throughout the town. The newly planted display at the entrance of the town gives great impact with its traditional combination of flowers and signage. The development of the Railway in its 200th Anniversary adds an interesting historical aspect and the indigenous planting of the long beds on the side of the old waiting shed are a natural attraction for wildlife and birds, enhanced by the mural of the train. The quality and colour in the residents’ gardens along the main road are evidence of their care for their town. The colour coordination of the planting throughout the town is excellent.”

BEST ENTRY IN SPRING

GREATER WILLINGTON PARISH

“The spring bulb displays are many and colourful with ambitious planning to develop them further every year. The local school pupils are enthusiastic and active with seed bombs and plans to rewild some areas. Secondary school pupils are commended for their construction of bird boxes mounted on the trees around the war memorial. The sense of heritage is demonstrated by contemporary and unusual sculptures by a local sculptor highlighting the town’s heritage and local heroes. Environmental awareness is very good. It was a pleasure to observe the cleanliness of the area and good condition of street furniture demonstrating the obvious pride in the overall presentation of the town.”

JUDGES’ DISCRETIONARY AWARD – Lifetime Achievement Award

MR & MRS SHORT, MIDDLETON ST. GEORGE

“Mr and Mrs Short’s garden is a lifetime creation that has developed and evolved into many beautiful garden rooms over the years.  It is both artistic and floral. They have entered our competition on many occasions and amazed and enthralled different judges over the years with their gold standard eye for design and creativity.  It is a pleasure, and well deserved, to award them with a lifetime achievement gold medal.”

RHS COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AWARD

WASHINGTON VILLAGE IN BLOOM SOCIETY

“Community gardening is a great way for people to connect with others and improve where they live and can provide people without gardens access to green space.  The whole community benefits from improved public spaces that people can take pride in, a healthier, greener environment, safer streets and healthier people.  This award recognises the efforts that Washington Village in Bloom are making to engage their wider community, creating positive and long-lasting benefits.”

Please note: 

Gold – outstanding, Silver Gilt – very good, Silver – good, Bronze – average, Merit – Fair

SMALL VILLAGES

Winner COWPEN BEWLEY 

“Cowpen Bewley has achieved high scores across horticulture, environment, and community. The villages carefully designed displays combined heritage themes with sustainable, pollinator friendly planting, while new wildflower areas, tree planting, and innovative water saving methods highlighted a strong environmental focus. The community’s dedication was at the heart of this success, with volunteers of all ages contributing over 700 hours to planning, planting, maintenance, and creative projects. Intergenerational initiatives have seen the group install new seating so those less able to walk greater distances can now join in, organise inclusive events as well as develop new partnerships with local schools and Scouts ensured that everyone could take part, strengthening pride and belonging throughout the village. Together, these efforts have transformed Cowpen Bewley into a thriving, inclusive, and environmentally conscious community — one that continues to grow in beauty, biodiversity, and spirit year after year.”

Cowpen Bewley – Gold

VILLAGES

Winner WASHINGTON VILLAGE

“The judges enjoyed an enthusiastic welcome from the many volunteers in their blue livery. The new Mayor of Sunderland also came to meet the committee and judges and was very impressed with his first visit to Washington Village. The In Bloom team have done an amazing job with watering and litter picking etc. The overall impression of the village is of well-tended, well planned and colourful beds with something to look at from every angle; from the village green to the beds and planters along the roads running from it. This is a haven in the heart of the commuter belt.”

Brancepeth – Silver Gilt

Greatham – Silver Gilt

Washington Village – Gold

LARGE VILLAGES

Winner HOLYWELL

“Holywell in Bloom has once again demonstrated community spirit and dedication, earning a Bronze award this year. The group’s enthusiasm shines through in their work, from the colourful and well themed summer displays to the maturing “bee-bed” and the ever popular Doorstep Challenge, which inspires widespread participation. Projects such as the Orchard Club, the Royal Mile, and the Vets Hub show how horticulture can bring people together while enhancing biodiversity and village pride. Their successful community fundraising has provided both resources and resilience, ensuring that their plans remain sustainable. With their energy, commitment, and genuine passion, the group is not only enriching the local environment but also building a strong legacy of inclusion, creativity, and care. The judges look forward to seeing how this enthusiasm continues to drive progress in the years ahead.”

Holywell – Bronze

SMALL TOWNS

Winner MIDDLETON ST. GEORGE

“Middleton St George is an expanding rural town with a long but narrow geographical area ending in Middleton One Row – originally a historical row of houses with attractive views over the River Tees. The town has a strong railway heritage with the old railway station currently being recreated in conjunction with S&DR200, (Darlington & Stockton Rail heritage celebrating its 200th anniversary this year).  A close community which has good networking links with residents, illustrated by the continuity of floral containers through the town.”

Greater Willington Parish – Gold

Middleton St. George – Gold

LARGE TOWNS

Winner CHESTER LE STREET

“The Chester le Street tour, particularly in summer, was well balanced and interesting with a range of complementary points of interest which showcased the town’s horticultural achievements, environmental commitments and community involvement.”

Bishop Auckland – Silver Gilt

Chester-le-Street – Silver Gilt

SMALL CITY

Winner – DURHAM

“Judging Durham City is a delight, with excellence in every quarter. The high standards in horticulture and community cohesion are an example to all.”

Durham – Gold

URBAN COMMUNITY

Winner BELMONT PARISH

“The urban community of Belmont has undergone great change in recent decades but through Bloom and with the support of a range of groups and individuals is forging a new identity. Thought needs to be given as to how the work currently being done can be expanded to include new projects to include and involve an even wider range of the community. Shops, businesses, and new housing developments are a huge potential resource, waiting to be tapped.”

Belmont Parish – Silver Gilt

Catchgate and Annfield Plain – Bronze

COASTAL RESORT

Winner SEAHAM

“Seaham’s vibrant perennial planting is maturing beautifully and softening this once industrial town. The acknowledgement of their uniqueness, whether that is geological, industrial or relating to their natural environment, is evident in the enthusiasm of all the volunteers we met. The town is spotlessly clean – quite an achievement for a tourist destination perched on a windy cliff above the North Sea!  The town has a bright future.”

Seaham – Silver Gilt

CITY CENTRE

Winner DARLINGTON

“Darlington is a very well cared for and inviting town to both locals and visitors with both the Local Authority and various volunteer groups ensuring that it is very clean, tidy and welcoming. The growing range of smaller businesses, particularly in ‘The Yards’, shows that it is a place where businesses want to be which in turn encourages more people to visit the town. The Parks in particular are hugely popular and very well used thanks to the management and upkeep of them, and the vibrant planting displays in the Parks and around the town add to its appeal.”

Darlington – Silver Gilt

SPECIAL CATEGORY AWARDS

Community Champion

For a truly outstanding contribution over several years by individuals, whether salaried or volunteer, in support of Northumbria in Bloom.  

Jim Sim, East Ord Volunteers Group

“Jim is a founding member of the East Ord Volunteers Group. He has worked tirelessly over the last decade, dedicating countless hours to maintaining the village and the nature walk.  His commitment has never wavered, even during the Covid-19 pandemic when he continued to work alone to ensure that high standards throughout the community were upheld.  Jim has been a true inspiration to his local community.  His guidance and wisdom have been truly invaluable.  He didn’t just offer advice; he shared a deep passion that inspired the whole group.  Though he has been forced to step back at the age of 88 for health reasons, his legacy will continue to flourish in every project that the group undertake.”

Young Community Champion

Elliot Gordon, Stockton

“For the last four years Stockton teenager Elliot Gordon, who has autism, has been spending all his spare time out in his local community litter picking every day including on Christmas Day.  He’s out from quarter past six in the morning until he goes to school and then again in the evening from quarter past five until 7.30.  This award is to recognise Elliot’s total dedication and the excellent work that he is doing to keep his local community clean and tidy.”

Best Business and Out of Town Retail Park 

Winner COBALT BUSINESS PARK, NORTH TYNESIDE

“The business park was created on 250 acres of farmland in the 1990s and in the last two years, the management team have started to tackle overgrown woodland and created paths for cyclists, horses and walkers who use the area every day. There is a wealth of wildlife and interesting wild flowers – enough to sustain several beehives. The public are welcome and there are numerous activities with organised events such as an annual Pride March, pop-up food vendors at lunchtime once a week, school engagement with safaris for every age group and work experience opportunities for students. The green ethos is strong and staff are encouraged to cycle to work and make the most of a cycle workshop once a month where you can get your bike checked and adjusted for free. The woodland is decorated with fairy lights and Santa visits at Christmas.”

Cobalt Business Park – Silver Gilt

Schools

Winner DURHAM GILESGATE PRIMARY SCHOOL ALLOTMENTS, BELMONT 

“The Gilesgate Primary School Allotments are at a level that any allotmenteer would be envious of. Children get the opportunity to see how their food grows and develops before harvesting amazing crops which they can then eat after their preparation in the school kitchens. They are an example to any school.”

Durham Gilesgate Primary School – Gold 

Our Lady & St Thomas Catholic Primary School, Willington – Silver Gilt 

Oxhill Nursery School – Silver

Best Care/Residential/Convalescent Home,

Hospice or Day Centre

Winner ST. CUTHBERT’S HOSPICE, DURHAM 

“St Cuthberts Hospice grounds are calm and well run; the gardens are beautifully manicured whilst leaving room for nature, and the volunteers who manage the gardens deserve praise for their efforts, particularly the composting and vegetable growing which makes the site ecofriendly.  The hedges and trees beautifully frame the garden views.”

St. Cuthbert’s Hospice, Durham – Gold  

The Manor House, Gosforth – Gold  

The Manor House, Whickham – Gold

Best Religious Establishment

Winner ST. CUTHBERT’S RC CHURCH GROUNDS, CHESTER LE STREET 

“Formerly a blank canvas, St. Cuthbert’s Churchyard is now a mature garden with a wide range of planting for interest throughout the seasons. Much attention has been given to horticultural good practice with shrubs, statement trees and ongoing colour. Each bed has something different on show and all link together to provide continuity. The garden encourages wildlife and the design, tidiness and maintenance were excellent.

Belmont Cemetery – Silver 

Quaker Burial Ground, Darlington – Silver 

St. Brandon’s Church, Brancepeth – Silver 

St. Cuthbert’s RC Church, Chester le Street – Gold 

St. Stephen’s Church, Willington – Gold 

The Atisha Kadampa Buddist Centre, Darlington – Silver Gilt

Best Small Commercial Premises

Winner LEILA’S AUTENTICO ITALIANO CAFÉ, MIDDLETON ST. GEORGE

“This is a smartly presented café facing the street, then customer’s find a surprise in the unexpected side courtyard with flowers and artwork to enjoy with their refreshments.”

Derwentside Funeral Directors – Silver Gilt  

Leila’s Autentico Italiano Café, Middleton St. George – Gold

Best Large Commercial Premises 

Winner WOODHILL HALL, OTTERBURN 

“Woodhill Hall is a fascinating stylish wedding venue, set in the heart of rural Northumberland near Otterburn. Approaching down a long, neat tree lined drive, one is suddenly surprised by a huge green elephant, and the surprises continue around the delightful site, with photo opportunities at every turn. There are many small intimate areas, neatly trimmed box hedges, large palm trees, an ancient pear on a wall, a weeping ash, and colourful beds around the courtyards, all contrasting with the magnificent distant views.”

Woodhill Hall, Otterburn – Gold

Best Pub 

Winner ORD HOUSE LOUNGE BAR AND GRILL

“The plant displays at the Bar & Grill are well coordinated, colourful and extremely well maintained. Well planted baskets and window boxes, colourful beds of geraniums surrounding immaculately maintained lawns and a border of perennials all create an extremely pleasing display. The gardening team do a great job of keeping the standards of horticulture so high.”

Coach & Horses, Catchgate & Annfield Plain – Silver 

Fir Tree Residents Association – Silver 

Ord House Lounge Bar and Grill – Gold 

The Old Yard Tapas Bar, Darlington – Silver Gilt 

Three Horseshoes, Cowpen Bewley – Bronze

Best Hotel / Guest House

Winner SEAHAM HALL AND SPA 

“All the various planting styles surrounding this impressive Georgian building enhance the visitor experience. There are formal planting schemes on the terrace and sweeping lawns with shrub borders around the car parking areas. Plans are in progress to refresh some of the over-mature areas and modern ideas including ornamental grasses and mixing edibles with flowers are being established. The standard is very high.”

Beamish Hall – Gold 

Ramside Hall Hotel – Gold 

Seaham Hall and Spa – Gold 

South Causey Inn, Stanley – Gold

Best Conservation 

Winner GREENSCAPE DAWDON PARK WILDLIFE PROJECT

“This wildlife haven behind a light industrial site is a delight – the wildflower meadow was looking glorious! The dedicated couple of volunteers who have initiated and driven through this project are to be commended and their commitment to involving youngsters and passing on their knowledge and skills is impressive. The local wildlife are very appreciative too!”

Belmont Scrambles – Silver Gilt 

East Ord Woodland Walk – Gold 

Greencroft Nature Reserve – Silver 

Greenscape Dawdon Park Wildlife Project – Gold 

The Holy Trinity Graveyard Volunteer Group – Gold 

Kynren, Bishop Auckland – Gold 

Saltburn Town Centre Garden – Silver Gilt

Best Bus/Metro/Railway Station

Winner WEARDALE RAILWAY, STANHOPE STATION

“Stanhope Station was a pleasure to visit, with its beautiful platforms, lots of happy volunteers all working towards giving visitors to their railway a wonderful experience on their journey by train through the beautiful countryside of Weardale.”

Friends of Alnmouth Station – Gold 

Tanfield Railway – Silver Gilt 

Weardale Railway, Stanhope Station – Gold

Best Park

Winner WHARTON PARK, DURHAM 

“This beautiful park has been providing spaces for leisure, sport and education in Durham for many years. Staffed by countryside rangers, volunteers and an education officer it offers extensive woodland areas, wildflower areas, a community garden, an amphitheatre for events, sports and play areas. Children and adults are encouraged to engage with the history and environment of the Park.”

Riverside Park, Chester le Street – Silver Gilt 

Seaham Town Park – Gold 

South Park, Darlington – Gold 

Wharton Park, Durham – Gold

Best Town Centre Retail Area / BIDs

Winner DURHAM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT 

“The public planting in the City of Durham deservedly attracts positive comments from many visitors, particularly the wildflowers along roadsides. The aim is sustainability with much of the former annual planting being replaced by drought-resistant perennials. Local heritage, such as the Cathedral precinct, is enhanced by the colourful displays supported by BID.”

Durham BID – Gold

Seaham Marina – Silver 

Best Private Garden

Winner 3, DINSDALE DRIVE, BELMONT 

“This colourful garden on a corner plot is packed with a super range of shrubs, perennials and annuals. It is planned for a long season of interest, giving pleasure to all neighbours and passersby.”

3 Dinsdale Drive, Belmont – Gold 

4 Stockley Grove, Brancepeth – Silver Gilt 

3 Hartside Cottages, Catchgate & Annfield Plain – Silver Gilt 

The Barn, Cowpen Bewley – Silver Gilt 

Mr and Mrs Short, Middleton St. George – Gold

Best Sports Ground

Winner RAMSIDE HALL GOLF COURSE

“This huge site is well maintained throughout. Environmental issues such as water use are well considered. There are volunteers involved as well as Ground Staff, and the whole site, despite ongoing building works, is a credit to all.”

Brancepeth Golf Club – Silver Gilt 

Catchgate Cricket Club – Bronze 

Ramside Hall Golf Course – Gold

Best Residential Community

Winner LIBERTY GREEN ROCKERY AND BOX BED, WASHINGTON 

“Two beds which mark the entrance to a small residential area are well stocked with colourful and textural plants for year round interest.”

Cohen Court, Stockton – Silver Gilt 

Liberty Green Rockery and Box Bed, Washington – Gold 

Muriel & Alfred St. Gated Alleyden, Redcar – Silver 

Quaker Lane, Darlington – Silver

Best Allotments

Winner ST. MARGARET’S ALLOTMENTS, DURHAM

“These allotments are understandably popular in the local community and there is a long waiting list! Access via the main paths is open and the public can also enjoy the views of the plots and the Cathedral from the site. Members enjoy the wide range of wildlife and the communal area where excess crops can be shared. Composting and water conservation are very important and many allotment holders have adopted a no-dig policy.”

Belmont Allotments – Gold 

Brancepeth Village Allotments – Gold 

Killinghall Allotments, Middleton St. George – Gold 

St. Margaret’s Allotments, Durham – Gold

Best Tourist or Visitor Attraction, or Country Estate

Winner DURHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS

“For many reasons, the Botanic Garden is a popular destination for visitors to Durham. Staff and volunteers have developed and supported a wide range of natural and cultivated environments which offer interest all year round. There are various trails for visitors to help them enjoy the sculptures, trees and planting. Education provision, guiding and catering facilities are excellent and more information is readily available on the website.”

Auckland Palace Grounds – Gold 

Durham Botanical Gardens – Gold 

Ord House Country Park – Gold 

Saltburn Miniature Railway – Gold 

Walled Garden, Auckland Palace – Gold 

Washington Old Hall – Silver Gilt