SPECTACULAR displays of orchids were on display at the weekend as members of Darlington and District Orchid Society staged their third annual show.

The event featured many species of orchid, including the popular phalaemotsif, or moth orchid, and the more unusual and extravagant cymbidium, with its big spikes and colourful flowers.

The exhibition took place at the White Horse Hotel, in Darlington.

Displays were created by 20 of the 85 members belonging to the society, including Elizabeth Gaskin, from Stainton, near Barnard Castle.

The vice-chairman of the society, Tom Watson, said visitor numbers were down on last year, but still very encouraging, with people travelling from all parts of the North-East.

"It has been a fabulous weekend and the displays were dazzling," he said.

"Since the society started in 2000 it has really evolved and we keep welcoming more members and seeing different orchid species," he said.