New flower marks Harrogate's Autumn Flower Show's 40th

David Matthewman has taken five years to create the new variety of sweet pea

A new variety of sweet pea has been created to mark the 40th anniversary of Harrogate's Autumn Flower Show.

The show, which runs from 18 to 20 September, is organised by the North of England Horticultural Society and attracts about 40,000 visitors.

Named the Harrogate Gem, the flower has been created by David Matthewman who has been breeding sweet peas for 20 years.

It has taken more than five years to create the bright scarlet flower.

Nick Smith, show director, said: "We are delighted to have a very special flower dedicated to the 40th Harrogate Autumn Flower Show and our thanks go to David Matthewman for his work in developing the 'Harrogate Gem' as a lasting tribute."

The Harrogate Gem is bright scarlet in colour and heavily scented

The autumn show began in the 1970s as a companion to the regular Spring Flower Show which is held in Harrogate in April.