THE organisers of this year's Hartlepool Horticultural Show are hoping for a bumper crop of entries.

With more than 100 categories, ranging from sweet peas, chrysanthemums and roses to heaviest potato, longest cucumber and even best misshapen fruit or vegetable, the show caters for everyone.

If gardening is not your forte, there are also home crafts categories for the best carrot cake, fruit pie and fruit scone and children’s sections including best miniature garden on a plate and best fruit or vegetable man or model.

Tom Hammond, show secretary, said: “With the mild weather we’ve been having, we’re hoping to see a bumper crop of entries in this year’s show.

“With categories including home crafts and children's, it’s a great opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to have a go.

“Even if you’re not competing it’s still a fun day out for all the family and entry to view the show is free.”

The annual event, which is supported by Hartlepool Borough Council, will take place this year in the Borough Hall on Hartlepool’s Headland on Saturday, August 16, from 12.30pm to 5pm and the following day from 11am to 4pm.

The British Gladiolus Society will also be holding its northern regional competition at the event, attracting growers from all over the north and Midlands.Copies of the show schedule and entry form are available from Hartlepool Art Gallery and Tourist Information Centre in Church Square on 01429-890000 or email susan.french@hartlepool.gov.uk or from Tom Hammond on 01429-870411.

People will be able to enter in person at the Borough Hall on Friday, August 15, between 3pm and 9pm and the following day between 6am and 9am.