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The largest cactus and succulent show in Europe is set to take place in Newark for the first time next month.

Newark Showground will play host to the exhibition on Saturday September 3, welcoming contenders from all corners of the UK.

Contestants will compete across 148 different competition classes all looking to impress the panel of judges.

John Betteley, who helped organise the event, has been involved with cactus growing for over 60 years, specialising in Prickly Pears and Sansevieria.

"I'll be putting a few plants in but it's a very highly competitive show, with some of the best plants in Europe on show." he said.

"It takes place about once every four years, but this year all competitors will be from the UK due to current import regulations with regards to plants.

"But exhibitors will be coming from all over the country, from Scotland right down to the south coast."

John grows hundreds of plants at his home in Coddington, with cacti covering every available garden surface.

As well as the competition plants on show, the event will feature roughly 25 stalls selling everything for the amateur or expert gardener.

Any member of the British Cactus and Succulent Society was able to enter their prized plants.

Over 1,200 people from the Cactus Society have already bought tickets, but the public is welcome to attend.

The event takes place on Saturday September 3 at the George Stephenson exhibition hall, and will be open to the public from 10am.