THE first Durham Horticultural and Craft Show has attracted more entries than expected.

The event will be held at County Hall, Durham, from 9am to 5pm today and from 10am to 1.30pm tomorrow.

The 30-year-old event, previously known as the Annual Autumn Produce Show, was held by Durham City Council at venues such as the Town Hall and Gala Theatre, but ended this year.

A new committee has taken over the running of the event and hopes to establish it as a wider-ranging and more popular attraction open to growers across the county, not just the Durham City area.

Committee spokesman Peter Thompson, the Durham county councillor for Gilesgate, said: "We probably have got more than 500 entries, which is more than there were last year and may exceed the record total for the city council's event.

"We are delighted and we are hoping there will be a big turnout from the public to see the displays."

Admission is 50p, and free for children. Admission on Saturday will entitle people to free entry at the nearby DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery.

On both days, visitors will be able to use the park-and-ride and cathedral bus services for free.