KNITTED figures and a community clean-up were among the last-minute activities in Middleton-in-Teesdale to impress Northumbria-in-Bloom judges last week.
The village was awash with colour as inventive knitters covered bollards, and installed a woolly cow and bicycle ahead of the visit by two judges on Wednesday, July 21.
The previous weekend, more than 20 volunteers took part in a village clean-up.
Judging began at 10.30am at Rumours Cafe where Middleton-in-Bloom organiser Pam Phillips gave a presentation of the group’s activities over the past year.
She said: “We have continued meeting every Monday and we have been kept busy all through the year sweeping leaves – it is a nightmare.
“One of the best bits of working in the village is the friendships we have made and we have had a lot of reaction, especially from visitors.”
She explained that the group had a signed agreement with the parish council and both worked hand-in-hand to beautify the village.
“The group also reports back to the council on its activities at least three times a year.
Mrs Phillips told the judges that the theme this year had been red, yellow and white.
There had also been a concerted effort to plant flowers that attract bees.
The outcome of the judging will not be known until a Northumbria-in-Bloom awards presentation event is held later in the year.
The same judges will be visiting West Auckland today (Wednesday) to view that village’s efforts during the past year.
