Council bosses have marked the 75th anniversary of VE Day with a stunning flower display at a gateway to the city centre.
Every summer, Durham County Council plants a decorative carpet bedding display in Gilesgate with a different theme and this year, it has chosen to pay tribute to those who fought for our freedom in the Second World War.
Bedding plants with coloured leaves have been used to spell out the words VE DAY 75 YEARS on one of the main gateways into the city.
Normally, the carpet bed planting would involve the community, with help from pupils from nearby Gilesgate Primary School.
Due to the current coronavirus pandemic, the planting on this occasion has been undertaken solely by staff from the council’s clean and green team, in adherence with social distancing guidelines.
The display will remain in place for visitors to enjoy over the summer period, until late September.
Oliver Sherratt, Durham County Council’s head of environment, said: “Whilst we’re disappointed to not be able to involve local school children, I’m delighted that we are able to mark this historical event in this special way.
“Our Gilesgate flower display often reflects the world, national and regional events, and it was an obvious choice this year to commemorate the seventy-fifth anniversary of VE Day and honour the service and sacrifice of the Second World War generation.
“The display is our way of saying thank you to those who gave so much, and will hopefully be enjoyed by those who live, work and visit Durham.”
