A TINY North-East garden with a large collection of rare plants is to feature on Canadian television later this year.

David and Dianne Nichol-Brown's garden, in the County Durham village of Trimdon Grange, is home to the national collection of polemonium plants.

The only native British species of the plant is Jacob's ladder, but the species is widely grown in Canada and North America.

Mrs Nichol-Brown became interested in polemonium about 20 years ago.

When she asked the National Council for the Conservation of Plants and Gardens where the national collection was held, she found one did not exist, so she took up the challenge to make sure the plant is never lost.

The collection has become so important that it has been given scientific status - one of only 35 in the country.

Their research has taken the couple all over the world.

A Canadian TV crew is due to film later this month for a programme called Flower Power.

Mrs Nichol-Brown said: "The polemonium thrives in the North-East of England and there are varieties suitable for every garden situation.

"We grow more than 70 species here in Trimdon Grange, and we are delighted to show the collection to Canadian viewers."

The region's gardeners will have an opportunity to see the collection when the garden, at Sunnyside Terrace, opens in support of the British Red Cross on Sunday, May 26, between 2pm and 5pm.

Admission to the garden is £2 for adults.

Accompanied children can get in for free.