ONE of Europe's top orchid growers has chosen a show at a stately home as his only exhibition in the North this year.

Jack Wubben will bring more than 75 different species of the flower to the Raby Orchid Show, at Raby Castle, in County Durham.

The event, organised in conjunction with the British Orchid Growers' Association, was first held in the Staindrop castle's gardens in 1999, but last year's show was cancelled due to foot-and-mouth.

Organisers hope this year's show, from next Saturday to Monday, May 6, will attract a massive crowd.

Dr Richard Warren, from Barnard Castle, a member of the British Orchid Growers' Association and organiser of the event, said: "There will be a fantastic display of orchids for the North-East this year, and our aim is to illustrate reliable types of orchids that people can grow on their own window sills."

The show is open from 11am to 5pm on each day, and entry is free for people who have paid either £3 for adults or £2 for children and concessions to enter Raby Park and Gardens, or £5 or £4 to enter the castle, park and gardens.

For details, contact Mr Warren on (01833) 690519 or Catherine Turnbull at Raby Castle on (01833) 660207