VISITORS flocked in their thousands to Gateshead's spring flower show at the weekend.

About 18,000 people visited the two-day event at the borough council's central nursery, Wickham.

Council spokeswoman Elaine Barclay said: "It has been very good and we have had an excellent attendance.

"We had a really good Saturday, thanks to some good weather for a change. It has definitely been one of our better shows."

Visitors enjoyed attractions including spring bulbs, daffodils and tulips, a huge display of floral art, exhibitions from nurseries and colleges, a craft fair and live entertainment, including the Felling and City of Newcastle brass bands.

There were demonstrations on a range of gardening topics, including creating hanging baskets and growing sweet peas, leeks and vegetables.

It was a successful weekend for Darlington enthusiast Geoff Gardener, whose daffodils won him the Mayor's Trophy for the best overall exhibits in the show, as well as three category awards.