SEEDS of change are sprouting behind the scenes at Harrogate Flower Show as a new director lays down his roots.

Nick Smith, 35, pictured, is taking on the role of show director, having stepped down from his position as development manager for culture and leisure at Stockton Borough Council.

Mr Smith, who graduated in landscape architecture from Leeds Metropolitan University before spending his early career working in the landscape industry in Ireland, said: “As an avid visitor to the Harrogate Flower Shows for the last 20 years, I am delighted to be joining the team at such an exciting time.

“The shows were recently rated Britain’s best gardening events by Which? and are undoubtedly the most prestigious independent events in the UK gardening calendar.”

This year’s Harrogate Flower Shows, which are organised and run by the North of England Horticultural Society, will be held from April 24 to 27 and September 12 to 14 at the Great Yorkshire Showground.