A BUMPER harvest is awaited for what is promised as a city's biggest and best garden produce show so far, next month.

Hundreds of entries are expected for the 87 classes in this year's Durham Millennium Garden Produce Show, staged at the Town Hall.

Hosted by the city council, the event has won extra backing this year from local landscaping companies Brambledown, Wharton and S&S, plus the Durham Market Company.

Classes cover everything from the traditional categories, like vegetables, flowers and other garden produce, flower arrangements, cookery, home-made preserves and wines, textiles and crafts, to special art and craft sections for local children.

Andrew Jackson, of the city council, said: "This show has become a major event in the North-East horticultural calendar.

"There's something for everyone, and the standard of entries is always outstanding.

"For this special millennium event, we're expecting a bumper show, which will be a real treat for active and armchair gardeners alike."

The show will be held on Friday, September 8, from 10am to 7pm, and Saturday, September 9, from 9am to 3pm.

Admission will be 50p for adults, but there will be no charge for children. All proceeds will boost the appeal fund, Chase the Butterfly, chosen by the Mayor of Durham, Councillor George Wharton.