ONE of Britain’s premier plant shows has a new home.

However, the Alpine Plant Show will remain in Hexham after switching from the town’s Wentworth Leisure Centre to Hexham Mart.

Jointly run by the Alpine Garden Society and the Scottish Rock Garden Society, the show, which has been running for more than 20 years, attracts more than a thousand visitors each year.

In addition to being a big draw with spectators, the show usually attracts more than 60 exhibitors and, this year, a total of 10 specialist alpine nurseries from across England and Scotland have signed up.

Show member, Prof. John Richards, said: “We have decided to move the show to the much more spacious and well-lit facility at Hexham Mart.

“Here, visitors will enjoy capacious free car parking, easy access to the show, and excellent catering.

“The nursery trade will also enjoy the extra space available with at least nine outlets being present.

“Although the venue is no longer next to a busy supermarket, it is still in Hexham and in many ways more accessible than the previous site.

“As in previous years, the show promises to be one of the premier displays in the whole of Britain.”

The Alpine Plant Show will take place on Saturday from 11am.

An autumn alpine show will also be held at the mart on October 5 after many years in Ponteland.