BISHOP Auckland gardeners defied the summer's poor weather to grow some first-class blooms for their early show.

The town's Chrysanthemum and Dahlia Society produced nearly 200 exhibits for the weekend's display at King James I School.

Secretary Barry Firby was pleased with the quality.

He said: "The weather has been terrible for growers this year and people had to come up with some ingenious ways of protecting the flowers.

"They put covers over them and made windbreaks, they use whatever tricks they can to look after the blooms.

"One good effect was that the dahlias were a bit later than normal and the quality is really high. It is a good show."

Dahlia grower Phil Watson and chrysanthemum specialist Derek Groves were the weekend's big winners, both taking silver medals. Mr Watson also won the trophy for collecting the most points.

The society was formed at the end of the 19th Century, and revived in 1981.

It holds two shows each autumn in September and November in the middle school hall at King James.

Members meet on the second Wednesday of each month, at 7.30pm, in Bishop Auckland General Hospital club.

They hear talks from gardening experts and exchange tips. Contact Mr Firby on 01388-602155.