THE exotic beauty of the orchid is being celebrated at an exhibition in Bishop Auckland.

Orchid grower Bobby Gowland, from Toronto, Canada, has created display of some of his finest specimens at the Discovery Centre, in the town, to show people that the orchid can be grown in this country if given the right amount of care and attention.

The 63-year-old bought his first orchid four years ago and has been hooked ever since.

He joined the Darlington Orchid Society and now has a collection of more than 150.

He said: "I think the reason I got hooked on them in the first place is because of their diversity and colour. I decided to hold this exhibition to show people some of that diversity and colour.

"Darlington Orchid Society is trying to promote the orchid and encourage more people to grow them. This is my way of helping."

The exhibition started at the Discovery Centre, in the Market Place, yesterday and will run until Saturday, October 29.

Admission is free and the centre is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday, from 10am to 3pm. Mr Gowland will be available on those days, between noon and 3pm, to offer advice.

For more information call the centre on (01388) 662666.