PLANT growers kept their cool over the summer heatwave to create a sizzling display for visitors to their annual show.

More than 1,000 people visited Durham and Northumberland Fuchsia Society's 22nd annual show, in Spennymoor Leisure Centre, County Durham, on Saturday and Sunday.

North-East Champion was Colin Stapleton, from Kirk Merrington, County Durham, while Bob and Irene Hodgson collected the most points.

Society president Ray O'Brien said the success of the show was a tribute to the skill of the growers.

He said: "We had such a long, dry summer we had to hold the plants back. They wanted to flourish a month ago. The secret was to keep them cool and give them plenty of tender, loving care."

Tony Lawson, from Darlington, was show manager for the first time. He organised 240 entries from 28 exhibitors.

To join the society, call Mr O'Brien on 0191-375 0493.