THOUSANDS of people will gather for one of the biggest flower shows in the North-East this weekend.

Gateshead Spring Flower Show, now in its 14th year, opens at 10am today for three days and Gateshead Council is hoping for another record number of visitors.

A tented village covering more than 240,000sq ft will offer floral displays, speciality foods, a craft fair, live entertainment and children's activities, as well as everything for the garden and more.

Supported by Pearsons Mitsubishi, of Benton, Newcastle, the show has gained national recognition with horticultural traders and exhibitors from throughout the UK.

Floral highlights include The Lindisfarne Gospels, created by Stan Timmons, and a park display, created by East Durham and Houghall College.

Both include thousands of colourful bedding plants.

In addition the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies will stage its regional floral art competition.

Visitors to the show will have the opportunity to pick up helpful tips and advice on a range of topics, including preparing hanging baskets, annuals and perennials.

There will also be a series of floral art demonstrations to help visitors create their own displays.

Musical entertainment includes the Newcastle All Stars Steel Orchestra, Swing Bridge Jazz Band, and street theatre from The Fairly Famous Family.

Admission is £6.50 for adults and £4.50 for the over-60s. All children under 18 get free entry when accompanied by an adult.

On-site car parking is signposted from the A1 and costs £3.

A free park and ride will run every 15 minutes from the MetroCentre Coach Park and Gateshead Civic Centre to the show site at Central Nursery, Whickham Highway, Lobley Hill.