LEEK growers in Darlington will be out in force this weekend as they battle for the title of "Champion of Champions".

After months of lovingly tending their prize vegetables, members of the Darlington working men's clubs will be vying for success in a number of annual shows across the town.

The main event is the Darlington Inter-Club Leek Show, known as the "Champion of Champions" event.

The show, which is in its 54th year, attracts entries from hundreds of leek growers from Darlington, many of whom will also compete in shows held by their own clubs over the weekend.

The show's promoter, Brian Summers, said: "Following each of the clubs' own shows on Saturday, ten pairs of pot and trench leeks from each club will progress on to the Inter-Club show the following day. Competitors will represent their club in the search for the area's champion leek growers."

Competition is expected to be stiff this year, with the East End Working Men's Club hoping to complete a hat-trick of wins, and Darlington Working Men's Club aiming for success during its centenary year.

Mr Summers said: "Considering that this year was predicted to only be moderate in terms of leek growing, ironically the world record was smashed just two weeks ago. There are sure to be some more big leeks still to come."

The show will be held at Cockerton Working Men's Club, on Sunday. Doors will be open to the public from noon, with presentations taking place at 1.30pm.

* Organisers of the 39th annual leek show at the Royal British Legion Club, in Newton Aycliffe, were pleased with the standard of entries.

The show, which attracts growers from around the region, is one of the biggest in the town.

Arnie Milburn won the double in this year's show, claiming first prize in the pot leeks and best pair sections.

The intermediate leek contest was won by Derek Percival, who also claimed most points in the vegetable section. Mr Percival shared top spot for most points in the flowers section with Bill Little and John Mulley. Lol Burniston was first in the long leeks category.

A spokesman for the club said: "It was a very good show and we appreciate all the entries in the open classes."

* There were 58 stands at Wolsingham Club's leek show, with husband and wife Derek and Phyllis Bell taking first and second places.

Results: Pot leeks - 1 Derek Bell, of Wolsingham, 195.10 cubic inches; 2 Phillis Bell 178.58 cu in, also best pair of matching leeks; 3 David Thompson, of Stanhope 187.52 cu in.

Most points in flower classes, John Clarke, South Shields; most points in vegetable classes, Robert Greasley, Wolsingham; king cauliflower, Tommy Jones, Frosterley; heaviest onion, David Thompson, Stanhope