THE revived Durham autumn horticultural show has received its first entries.

The new organising committee has only just produced schedules for September's event, but already it has its first competitor.

Spokesman Peter Thompson, a Durham County councillor, said: "Someone has turned it around pretty quickly and put in two entries. We are hoping to exceed the number of entries for last year's show, which was about 450.

"One of the arguments for Durham City Council stopping the show was that entries were falling. If I had to put a target figure on it I would like to see about 500.

"Hopefully we will get entries coming from places such as Stanley, Lanchester, Consett and Seaham.

"Certainly there was a strong indication at the last committee meeting that there will be entries from those places."

The show, which is in its 30th year, will be on the weekend of September 10, 11 and 12 in the Durham Room at County Hall, Aykley Heads, Durham.

There will be about 100 classes in categories such as fruit and vegetables, arts and crafts and children's.

Coun Thompson said the organisers plan to make the event more of a family day.

The Durham and Chester-le-Street Primary Care Trust will be promoting healthy eating and the county council's cultural services will be putting on activities.

Anyone who would like a schedule should call show secretary Gordon Steel on 07968 908 160. The deadline for entries is a week before the show.

The next committee meeting is on Monday at 6.30pm in County Hall. Anyone interested can attend.