AN estimated 35,000 people are expected to attend one of the premier flower shows of the season this weekend.

Harrogate's annual Autumn Flower Show, which is staged by the North of England Horticultural Society, starts tomorrow and runs until Sunday.

The show has spaces in its car parks at the Great Yorkshire Showground for 8,000 vehicles.

The event traditionally marks the end of the nationwide flower show season which takes in Chelsea, Hampton Court and Tatton Park - and which started with Harrogate's own Spring Flower Show.

Fourteen national amateur society shows are being held as part of the event on its 22-acre site.

A highlight of the weekend takes place at noon tomorrow when the heaviest onion contest, organised by the National Vegetable Society, is staged.

Display plants at the show will be sold to visitors at 4.30pm on Sunday.

Ticket prices are £10 (Sunday, after 2pm, £5). Children under 16 are admitted free.