THOUSANDS of visitors enjoyed a riot of colour and entertainment as the region's biggest gardening event got under way yesterday.

Organisers of the Gateshead Summer Flower Show are hoping for another record attendance.

The show, co-ordinated by Gateshead Borough Council and sponsored by Gateshead Shopping Centre and Indoor Market, is in its 16th year.

Held at Gateshead Central Nursery, Whickham Highway, Lobley Hill, it is expected to attract more 35,000 visitors over the weekend.

Gardening experts will be giving demonstrations and question and answer sessions.

In association with BBC Easy Gardening, the Phostrogen Gardening Roadshow, will be in attendance today and tomorrow.

Former TV presenter Martin Fish will be hosting the question and answer sessions.

This year's show also boasts displays from Gateshead and District Allotment Association, the North of England Rose, Carnation and Sweet Pea Society, the National Vegetable Society, Durham and Northumberland Fuchsia Society, Great North Carnation Society and the National Sweet Pea Society.

A free park-and-ride will operate from the MetroCentre coach park every 15 minutes and a free park-and-ride service will operate from Gateshead Civic Centre.

There is on-site parking for more than 2,000 vehicles, costing £3.