JUDGES from a popular gardening competition have been casting an eye over a newly created school allotment.

Children and parents at Durham Gilesgate Primary School, in Gilesgate, Durham City, have turned a piece of land left unused following the construction of the new School View housing estate into a successful allotment.

They were assisted by a £10,000 grant from Awards for All.

Now the allotment has been entered into Beautiful Durham, an annual gardening competition covering Durham City and surrounding villages.

This year’s awards features 13 prizes, including for Best Allotment or Kitchen Garden.

Judging will continue into July and the winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at Durham Town Hall in October.