TV GARDENER Charlie Dimmock was the first of what organisers hope will be up to 12,000 visitors to the Ribble Valley's first garden festival.

For the Ground Force star opened the inaugural Lancashire and Ribble Valley Garden and Countryside Festival before mingling with visitors and taking part in a Gardeners' Question Time-style session.

Visitors to the two-day festival, at Hawkshaw Farm, off the A59 at Clayton-le-Dale, were also treated to a rare fly-past from a Second World War Spitfire.

The Spitfire, which was built in 1944 and saw service in the Mediterranean in the last days of the war, made a dramatic appearance just after tea-time yesterday.

Other attractions included 18 garden-related exhibitors, sheep dog trials, helicopter rides, falconry, ferret racing, live music and traditional Punch and Judy shows.

Organisers said the show will return for at least two more years.

Charlie, 39, said: "This is a good garden festival because there appears to be something for everyone.

"Us girls love the plants while the men like playing with all the boy toys and machinery on display.

"It's good to see some plants for sale that are not quite run-of-the-mill.

"I think people will be able to get something a bit different and maybe a bargain or two.

"I know it's only the first day of a new show but it seems to be going well.

"I'm doing a sort of informal gardeners' question time, but I'm not Alan Titchmarsh so I won't be able to answer all the questions!"

Mike Prest, horticultural consultant at the festival, said he hoped the event would attract between 10,000 and 12,000 visitors.

He said: "We've got exhibitors from all over the country, but it still has a local feel.

"The idea with a new show is just to feel our way a little, but in the end we hope it will introduce the Ribble Valley as a tourist destination.

"Having it mid-week makes it different from other events, most of which are held at weekends.

"The show is booked to return for a further two years, but if it's a success it will return year after year."

The festival is open today until 5.30pm.