A HIGHLY unusual flower is being exhibited at an annual orchid show this weekend.

The Dracula orchid will be on show at Raby Castle, near Staindrop, County Durham, for the next three days.

Not only has the curious species never been seen at the Raby Castle Orchid Show before, but it has never been seen at any orchid show in the North of England.

This mysterious species is usually jet black or a very deep red, something not normally seen in orchids.

They are so named because when looked at closely they resemble Dracula in his cloak.

Jack Wubben, one of Europe's leading orchid growers, will be carefully transporting the Dracula orchids, along with more than 75 species for the show.

The show, fast becoming one of the most significant in the North, is open from tomorrow until Monday, from 11am to 5pm.

There is a charge of £3 for adults and £2.50 for children to enter Raby park and gardens, which includes free admission to the show.

A castle, park and gardens ticket can is £6 for adults, £5 for concessions and £2.50 for children.

There are talks and demonstrations throughout the weekend.