Thousands of garden lovers from far and wide turned up to sample the delights of the North West's prestigious floral extravaganza at Tatton Park.

The Royal Horticultural Society's four-day show attracted more than 100,000 visitors - with many promising to come back next year.

For show organisers are planning to cultivate it as a major tourist attraction for green-fingered gardeners every year.

"Last week the flower show put Cheshire well and truly on the map, but we hope this represents just the beginning," said county council chairman David Newton.

"We knew it might take some time for the first-time event to gather momentum with each year, but ticket sales showed how much Tatton Park could offer for a wonderful summer's day out."

Tatton Park manager Julian Pellatt described the show as a 'turning point' in the park's history.

"It is without question a turning point in our history with an event of international significance," he said.

Teams of full-time workers and volunteers assisted with the show outdoors, but one of the busiest jobs was manning the phones.

"I think the reception staff are suffering from tennis elbow because we have never known anything like this," he said.

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