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.
April 9, 2026
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