ORGANISERS of a horticultural show are celebrating a record-breaking year.

The number of entries for this weekend's Durham Horticultural and Craft Show broke the 800 mark for the first time in its history.

The three-day show, first staged in 1974, took place at County Hall, in Durham City, at the weekend, the fourth time it has been held at the venue since moving from its traditional home in Durham Town Hall.

The show has enjoyed something of a resurgence in recent years, with numbers climbing steadily up to this year's record high.

Peter Thompson, one of the organisers, said: "It has been absolutely fantastic and we have exceeded all expectations.

"There were 800 entries, which was up by about 50 per cent on the previous year, and we have had more visitors -- it seems to go up and up every year.

"The judges and members of the public all said it was the best show by far in County Durham and the organisers have been heartened by their comments.

"I have to pay tribute to the organising committee who give their time voluntarily.

"The flowers in particular depend on the weather and with all the rain this summer we were very worried but, as good fortune would have it, we have had about four or five days of brilliant sunshine at just the right time."

The event, which includes an extensive craft fair, is supported by Durham County Council.