A MEDIEVAL castle is preparing to be besieged by an army of plants today.

Raby Castle, near Staindrop, County Durham, will open its gates to hundreds of orchids as part of a popular plant show held at the castle every year.

The show had to be cancelled in May due to the foot-and-mouth outbreak, so organisers rescheduled the event for the end of the castle's summer season.

Visitors to the show will be able to speak to orchid experts about caring for the plants, and professionals will demonstrate how to separate and repot them.

Catherine Turnbull, who is organising the show in conjunction with the British Orchid Growers Association, said the show would feature a wide range of orchids.

She said: "Visitors can come and see for themselves how elegant these delicate plants are.

"People can admire and buy the orchids on display from top growers and find out how to grow them alongside house plants."

The show will be open between 11am and 5.30pm, on Saturday and Sunday. Entry will cost £3 for adults and £2 for children.

For further details contact the castle on (01833) 660202 or (01833) 660207.