MORE than 300 people from across the UK packed in to Pershore College to attend an alpine flower show.

Over 500 plants were brought by competition enterers and sellers for plant enthusiasts to see during Saturday's show.

The plant show and sale is one of two that The Alpine Garden Society (AGS) will be hosting this year at the college, with the other taking place in July.

Christine McGregor, director of AGS said: "The show features small hardy plants, and we have them all over the country.

"People come from everywhere in the country to come and see them.

"It is our first time in Pershore at this time of year and we are really impressed with the turnout.

"I think there have been around 300 people through the doors, and some of the nursery stocks were decimated very early on.

Diane Clement from Wolverhampton took the top prize, although a top three was given out in 119 different classes.

There are categories open for more advanced growers, for intermediates and for beginners.

Experts were on-hand to show enthusiasts how to grow the plants themselves.

Elaine Blackman, who travelled from New Radnor in Wales, said: "It is really impressive to see the work that people have done in growing these plants that we aren't able to.

"The specialist nursery people are a big attraction for why people travel from far and wide."

Robin Pickering, who had come from Goole added: "10 years ago I had a problem with illness, and my mother has always grown alpines so I started to grow alpines then.

"I have a few winners here today so that makes the journey worthwhile.

"There are not any other shows like the Alpine shows where people can bring what they have grown and show it off."

The AGS hold shows throughout the country, and will hold another show on Saturday July 1.