A LONG-RUNNING radio programme is making a rare visit to the North-East later this month.

Gardeners' Question Time, which was first broadcast in 1947, is to be recorded at Durham on Monday, September 17.

The famed Radio Four programme will be recorded at the Sir James Knott Hall, in Trevelyan College, after being invited by Durham University as part of the celebrations to mark its 175th anniversary this year.

The show will be broadcast at 2pm on Sunday, September 30.

As well as maintaining Durham's Botanic Gardens, the university has many illustrious gardening connections. Regular Gardeners' Question Time panellist Pippa Greenwood is a graduate of Durham, as is Tim Smit, (CORRECT) founder of the Eden Project, while botanist, broadcaster and writer, David Bellamy, is a former member of staff.

The University's new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chris Higgins was himself a botany student at Durham in the 1970s.

He said: "Durham University is delighted to play host to such an iconic national programme and news of the event has already captured the imagination of the community.

"The popularity of our Botanic Garden is an indication of the passion and interest in gardening that exists in the region and this event will provide an opportunity for gardeners of all abilities to receive some tips and guidance from a renowned panel of experts.

"As the University continues to mark its 175th anniversary, this event provides another opportunity to welcome the wider community to join in our celebrations."

A very limited number of tickets are available for the recording and more information is available from University's Development office on 0191-334-630.