Tong Garden Centre’s Christmas displays have been named the best in the North East for the fourth year running in the Garden Centre Association’s annual festive honours.

The centre achieved a score of 91.73%, seven percentage points higher than last year's winning tally.

Winners are selected for their ability to demonstrate a real ‘wow factor' by showcasing their product range with innovative and inspirational displays that create excitement and a festive ambience.

Congratulating her team, Tong's commercial director Sharon McNair said: “It's a great result and very well deserved. Christmas at Tong really is a massive team effort and every department within the centre has contributed to this amazing result. The GCA class a score between 80-90% as excellent to outstanding, so you can imagine just how thrilled we are to be above outstanding!

"Winning this award for the fourth year is testament to the team's skill and ongoing commitment to giving our customers the most memorable Christmas experience."

GCA judge Alyson Haywood said: “Christmas at Tong is beautifully laid out in a strong spacious creative manner that inspires customers to achieve the look in their own homes. Whether it's lights to decorate your house or tree, toys for the children or collectable lit villages for the grown ups, Tong has it all."

Tong Garden Centre's Christmas offering includes a new grotto experience, tasting events in the food hall and extended opening hours.

Pictured: The team at Tong celebrate their GCA award (left to right) – John Bamforth, Anne Harris, Matthew Inman, Zoe Whitehead (Buyer), Jenny Shaw, Janice Astbury, Dennis Keen.