AN improved park-and-ride service will be introduced to help cope with the tens of thousands of people expected to flock to the annual Gateshead Summer Flower Show at the weekend.

The free service to the Central Nursery, Whickham Highway, Lobley Hill, will operate from Gateshead MetroCentre coach park every 15 minutes.

It starts at 11.45am on Friday with a last bus at 6.15pm, and from 9.45am with the last bus 15 minutes after the show closes on Saturday and Sunday.

It is hoped that the new service will help alleviate the already-busy free car parking available at the show site, and the free park-and-ride service from the Gateshead Civic Centre on Saturday and Sunday.

Councillor Mick Henry, leader of Gateshead Borough Council, said: "The show now attracts tens of thousands of visitors, and it is hoped many will use the free park-and-ride services to help reduce traffic around the show site.

"It really is a great day out for all the family and we want to ensure people can access the show easily."

The show, sponsored by Gateshead Shopping Centre and Indoor Market, incorporates children's activities, the largest craft fair in Gateshead, historic commercial vehicles and BBC Radio Newcastle's Garden Mania.

Admission is £6 for adults, £4.50 for concessions, and all under-18s accompanied by an adult are admitted free.