GARDENERS and plant lovers were able to enjoy a selection of blooms as specialist nurseries from all over the country descended on the North-East.

Hundreds of people visited Raby Castle, near Staindrop, County Durham, yesterday as it held its annual plant fair in the castle grounds.

Organisers said that the event was such a success that plans are already being made for next year.

Catherine Turnbull, from the castle, said: "We have had traders from throughout Cumbria, Northumberland and Durham and there has been a huge variety of plants.

"We have had a steady flow of people through the gates all day and everybody seems to have enjoyed themselves."