FUSCHIA enthusiasts are looking forward to a blooming good weekend when they celebrate their 21st annual flower show.

People will travel from all over the country to help the Durham and Northumberland Fuschia Society celebrate its anniversary at its show, which has become the highlight of the fuschia lovers' calendar.

Many types of the popular bloom will be on display in 46 classes at what is known as the biggest fuschia show in the North of England.

There will also be talks, displays and various trade stands along with a painting competition for the children, at the Spennymoor Leisure Centre event.

President of the society, Ray O'Brien, from Gilesgate, Durham, will be taking a less active role this year after a recent hip replacement, but he has arranged for friend Herbert to take centre stage.

Herbert was created by the pensioner as part of a garden display entered in this year's Gateshead Flower Festival.

The display was awarded a silver medal and now Mr O'Brien is taking the model to the fuschia show with him.

The 68-year-old said: "I have kept him in my greenhouse while I was in hospital and people kept on mistaking him for me. And, if you like, he will be replacing me at our show this weekend.''

Visitors are welcome to go to the show on Saturday between 1pm and 5pm or on Sunday between 10am and 4.30pm.