THERE was a dazzling display of the brightest, biggest and best blooms at one of the main horticultural shows in the North at the weekend.

Champion carnations, dahlias, chrysanthemums, gladioli, fuchsias, sweet peas, and vegetables were among the produce on display at the annual Hartlepool Horticultural Show.

The show featured hundreds of prize exhibits from top growers in the North and further afield.

Lesley Strickland, events officer for Hartlepool Borough Council, said: "We were delighted to include the National Gladiolus Society's National Exhibition in the show this year, and it was a very impressive event with a feast of colour and the very best in flowers, plants and vegetables."