“I’M A CELEBRITY” WINNER TO OPEN SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW

TELEVISION star Christopher Biggins will officially open this year’s Southport Flower Show.

Best known for playing the role of Lukewarm on BBC sitcom Porridge and more recently winning ITV1’s I’m a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here in 2007, Biggins will be helping the show celebrate its 80th year in style.

He said:- “I haven’t been to Southport for years so I’m really looking forward to coming back. I’ve only heard good things about the show and I’m certain it will be a great day.”

Originally from Oldham, Lancashire, Biggins has been a regular face on stage and screen since the 1970s, appearing in a string of successful TV shows and stage productions, which leaves little time to indulge his passion for flowers.

He said:- “I love my garden but unfortunately don’t have the time to tend to it myself, but I have a fantastic gardener who has just put in some beautiful lights and awnings for me and I’m keen to pick up some new ideas at the flower show.  I would love to have big herbaceous borders but I only have a small town garden at my home in London so I use it to grow flowers and herbs. You just have to make the most of the space you have.”

David Jackson, chief executive of the flower show, said:- “Christopher is excited to be involved, and we’re thrilled that he’ll be helping us celebrate our 80th year with his trademark exuberance and style.”

Attracting up to 80,000 visitors, Southport Flower Show is one of the largest and most diverse shows in the country. A four day event that encompasses the very best in horticulture, garden design, growing your own, gourmet foods, expertise and entertainment to delight and make you smile.

If it’s live music you want, there’s plenty on the bandstand or sit back, relax and pick up masses of valuable trip from our experts in our question and answer sessions and lecture theatre.

Visitors can expect to see up to a million blooms on display, while the popular Grand Floral will be filled with dazzling displays and stunning bursts of colour.

Inspirational show gardens with unique features, exquisite furniture and stunning plants will leave you bursting with ideas about how to transform your own garden, whatever its size or shape.

Whether you are a gifted amateur, professional or just starting out, there is something of interest for everyone at Southport.

If it’s a day out with the family, there’s lots for the youngsters too with Liverpool’s Underwater Street entertaining the children with fun, hands-on experiential activities.

Christopher Biggins will welcome visitors to the flower show at 10.30am on the bandstand and will soak up the friendly atmosphere throughout the day.

For further show information and to order tickets for the Southport Flower Show, which is open from 20 August 2009 to the 23 August 2009, visit:- southportflowershow.co.uk or call:- 0844 847 1555. Advance tickets just £14.

SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW 2009 COMPETITION - WEEK 2

WELL done to Mrs Holland, from Lincolnshire, who got the correct answer to last weeks question:- "Why is the Southport Flower Show celebrating this year?" This year's show is the 80th show!

As we have had so many respond to week one, we have been generously donated by the Southport Flower show an extra pair of tickets, so this week, unlike we advertised in last weeks edition, we now have two prizes to give away! That is correct, you could be one of the two lucky winners receiving a pair of one day only complimentary tickets for any day from 20 August to 23 August 2009.

This week's question is:- "What is this years show theme?" that is aimed at celebrating it's 80th anniversary.

A helpful clue... 

We have a pair of tickets to give away this week to a lucky winner. So email your full name, address and also your phone
number, with your answer to:- news24@southportreporter.com.

Do not despair if you do not get picked. This years Flower Show prices are fantastic value, so you can always get a good
deal via their website or by calling:- 0844 847 1555!

Closing date is 11 August 2009, 1:00am GMT.

Our standard terms and conditions apply (Click to here to view)  .

See last weeks competition page by clicking on here.

West Lancashire Light Railway, Station Road, Hesketh Bank

THIS years Gala Weekend will be held over 8 August to 9 August 2009. All available locomotives will be in steam (at least 3), together with a visiting locomotive. Other attractions are likely to include a fairground organ and visits from traction engines and steam rollers. Free parking and admission to the site. An intensive train service will operate on both days - tickets (valid for unlimited rides throughout the day of issue) Adults £4, Senior £3.50, Child £3.00. Hot and cold drinks available.

Contact:- Tel. 01772 815881 or visit:- westlancs.org.