THE stage is set for a floral bonanza in a town dubbed the nation's "horticultural hot-spot".

Sam Cryer, chairman of the Harrogate Spring Flower Show, North Yorkshire, which opens its four-day run on Thursday, said the town had earned its name tag because of its premier status in the horticultural world.

He said continued improvements at the Great Yorkshire Showground, which hosts the event, will make it easier for visitors.

There will be an extended disabled parking area at the main gate, giving better wheelchair access. A new coach park, with its own courtesy bus service to the gates, should be a bonus for thousands of visitors. There is also free parking for 8,000 vehicles.

Last year, an attendance of 61,836 was the third successive record breaker.

Officials of the North of England Horticultural Society are not making any predictions about a fourth record, but the show's popularity is growing so fast it has not been ruled out.

Tickets are: Thursday £13; Friday and Saturday £11; Sunday £10 (£5 after 2pm). There is a plant sell-off on Sunday, at 4pm. For details, call the society on (01423) 561049.