NEW varieties of flowers and alpines will be making their debut at the Harrogate Spring Flower Show from April 25-28.

The event, being held on the Great Yorkshire Showground, is the first major show of the year and growers will be parading their new varieties with pride.

Dubbed the poor man's orchid, a new pleonie seedling named ruby wedding will be on show, along with a new pink variety of auricula, a type of primula, called taffeta.

In the alpine section there will be new offerings from the lewisia family with names such as Katie, Sally, Charlotte, Lucy and Annette.

And for fans of the lily-like alstromeria, the first lilac blue variety for garden use and cutting will be attracting major attention.

Ticket hotline: 0870 758 3333. There are £2 discounts on tickets pre-booked before noon on Friday, April 19.