THE organisers of a horticultural show that was saved from the axe two years ago are hoping to boost attendance at this year's event with a craft fair.

The Durham Horticultural and Craft Show, which will be held next month in County Hall, Durham, will include a craft fair on one of the days.

The organising committee is hoping that producers of a wide range of products will take tables at the fair.

"It is a new dimension for this year's show,'' said Peter Thompson, of the show committee.

"Craft fairs are popular and they tend to be successful.

"We are hoping to get a whole range of things - candles, soft furnishings, dollies and jewellery.

"We are hoping the craft fair will make it even more of a family day out than it has been.''

The show will be held on Saturday and Sunday, September 9 and 10, and the craft fair will be held on the Sunday.

The show used to be known as the Durham Autumn Produce Show and ran for 30 years until Durham City Council, which held the event in the town hall, withdrew its support in 2004.

But Mr Thompson, then a county councillor, got together with other enthusiasts and formed a committee to take over the organisation.

The show, now held at County Hall, has proved successful, attracting hundreds of visitors.

Last year there were 760 entries in the vegetable, flower and craft classes and Mr Thompson says the committee hopes for more this year.

"Last year there were more than 100 individual entrants and we are hoping there will be more.

"We have posted out more than 150 schedules already.

"Hopefully, the good weather we have been having will continue and the produce will be bigger and better.

"We have sponsorship from Hargreaves Quarries and the Co-op and some county councillors have chipped in.''

Tables for the craft fair cost £15 and can be booked from Jane Pegram, 23 Greenwell Park, Lanchester, DH7 0NW, or by calling (01207) 529882.

Tables will be reserved on receipt of a cheque made payable to Durham Horticultural Show.

Anyone wanting a schedule for the show should call Ann Gibbon, the show's secretary, on 0792 2068145