Judges' positive comments after initial visit to Middleton-in-Teesdale

MIDDLETON-in-Teesdale has made a good start in its bid to retain its place as one of the best villages in the North East.
The village won gold in the Northumbria-in-Bloom competition last year, and is already off to a positive start in 2017 after receiving a favourable reaction in the initial judging stage.
Spring judging of the village’s floral display took place on Monday, April 10.
It was the first time that judges Marjorie Holt and Anthony Smith had seen the village. Ms Holt said: “It is absolutely impressive.”
She added that the judging covers horticultural excellence, community involvement and environmental aspects. Also inspected is general tidiness and the condition of street furniture.
The judges were particularly impressed with Middleton-in-Bloom’s plans to install two vegetable planters where people can help themselves to the produce. Organiser Pam Phillips said the planters would be placed near the village primary school.
She added: “We are aiming at the children in the school and the mums who can pick leaves for their salad.”
The village already has herb gardens which people are welcome to harvest.
Spring judging makes up only a small part of the environment award, with the main judging taking place later in the summer.