VETERAN news broadcasters Kate Aidie and Nicholas Owen will learn about the region's capital of culture bid at the Chelsea Flower Show.

The pair, who have North-East links, will be among the celebrities attending this year's show, featuring more than 600 exhibits from around the world, from Tuesday to Thursday.

Among the displays will be an entry based on Newcastle and Gateshead's bid to become European Capital of Culture in 2008.

It combines the skills of horticultural experts from both sides of the Tyne, and includes attractions such as the Music Centre Gateshead, the Angel of the North, the Tyne Bridge and the Theatre Royal.

Councillor Mick Henry, leader of Gateshead Borough Council, said: "It is the first time that horticultural staff from both sides of the river have joined forces to compete at Chelsea, and it has proved a very fruitful collaboration.

"Both Newcastle and Gateshead have won several accolades in the past, and I am hopeful that this imaginative display will improve on this record.

"I am delighted that two such notable broadcasters, who have close links with the North-East, will get a chance to see our display at close quarters, and perhaps it will be a reminder to them of all that's good about our region.