A FESTIVAL that takes place around St Patrick's Day will this year have buttonholes of English shamrocks.

Members of Darlington Folk Club had difficulty obtaining shamrocks from Ireland last year, so they decided to grow their own.

Club treasurer Bobb Wootten nurtured them in his greenhouse and has now brought them to Darlington Arts Centre, the venue for Spring Thing 2001.

The event, which runs from next Wednesday to next Sunday, features concerts, craft stalls, a real ale bar, ceilidhs, dance displays and children's activities.

For further information, telephone (01325) 486555