Parks staff gear up for bloom awards

Green-fingered parks staff are gearing up to put Sunderland in the spotlight.

Sunderland City Council workers are busy in parks and green spaces as the city, once again, gets set to part in Northumbria In Bloom, where judges will assess the city centre on horticultural achievement as well as community participation and the overall environment.

Work is also under way on new flower beds which are being created across Sunderland and the main gateways into the city.

Parks will also be judged on how they are cared for and maintained in the annual Green Flag awards.

Last year the awards were earned by Barnes Park, Hetton Lyons Country Park, Roker Park, Mowbray Park and Herrington Country Park.

Fiona Brown, executive director of neighbourhoods at Sunderland City Council, said: "Our residents have told us that they want to live in a clean green city, so we are investing in making the most of our city centre by making it a clean, green and welcoming place to be. "Sunderland has a strong track record for Northumbria in Bloom, and for our seaside Blue Flags and Green Flags.

"These awards show how this participation, enthusiasm and commitment is enjoyed and appreciated."

Northumbria in Bloom began in 1964 as one of the founder regions of the national Britain in Bloom competition.

In previous years, Sunderland has won the Best City category and its groups and volunteers are regularly awarded or receive commendations.