FLOWER lovers are being urged to help make an orchid society's first annual show a success.

The Darlington and District Orchid Society is holding the event in the Dunelm Suite at the White Horse Hotel, North Road, Darlington, on Sunday, March 3, from 11am to 4pm.

Several top nurseries, including Mansell and Hatcher, of Rawdon, near Leeds, and Ray Creek Orchids, of Scunthorpe, will be displaying and selling plants at the show.

The society was formed two years ago and since then has been building up to its first show.

Society chairman Tom Watson said: "It is something we have been working towards. When you first start off, it takes time to get established.

"Hopefully, it will bring a greater awareness of what we do and bring it more to the attention of the public."

The event has been sponsored by Gardener's Barn, of Albert Hill, Darlington.

Pupils at Haughton Community School have been involved in designing posters for the event.

The society hopes to continue building links with the school, with future visits and by encouraging the pupils to set up a greenhouse club.

Lunches and refreshments will be served on the day and entry to the show is free.