A NORTH-EAST flower show will be bigger than ever this summer.

The 15th annual Gateshead Summer Flower show will feature 300,000sq ft of marquee, providing cover for most of the show, making it the largest event of its kind in the region.

Last year, the floral displays, children's entertainment, craft fair and speciality foods were under 240,000ft sq ft of marquee.

This year there will be a display of vintage trucks from the North-East branch of the Historic Commercial Vehicle Society.

There will also be a question and answer session with the BBC Radio Newcastle Gardening team.

The show, sponsored by Gateshead Shopping Centre and Indoor Market, is organised by Gateshead Council.

It will take place in the council's Central Nursery, Whickham Highway, Lobley Hill, from Friday, July 30, to Sunday, August 1, from 10am to 5.30pm each day.

A free park and ride will operate from the MetroCentre coach park every 15 minutes. There is also on-site parking for more than 2,000 cars.

Admission is £7 for adults, and £4.50 for concessions. All children under 18 accompanied by an adult go free.

For tickets, call 0191-490 1311.