AN ANNUAL show which attracts thousands of visitors into Tonbridge every May has been saved after a new organiser came forward.

The Tonbridge Garden and Home Show has taken place on the May Day bank holiday just off the town's High Street for the past 14 years, but organiser Susan Adams announced in October that she would be stepping down.

Mrs Adams blamed escalating costs and administration needed to put on the show as the reason behind her decision.

Now, however, the show will go on after a disappointed exhibitor suggested to an event organiser from Sussex that she consider taking over the reins.

After a successful meeting with Mrs Adams, Jane Sterck, a full-time event manager, decided to take over the running of the show.

Mrs Adams said she was delighted the event would now continue.

"Jane and I got on so well and found out we are quite similar people," she said. "We share many of the same ideas and have both been organising shows for the same amount of time.

"We both started with no previous experience and although we didn't know each other we trod identical paths."

Mrs Adams added that it was a relief to find somebody to take over the running of the show.

"I'm very pleased the show will continue," she said "Anything which attracts 15,000 tourists to the town has to be a good thing."

Mrs Adams will help Mrs Sterck run the show this year.

The show takes place over the early May bank holiday weekend and hosts a range of entertainment and stalls such as arts, crafts, food, gardening equipment and plants. Mrs Sterck said she is really excited about taking over the Tonbridge show, saying it would have been "such a shame" to see it disappear.

"I felt an obligation to take it on after I met Jane," she said. "We share the same ethos and principles. So many local businesses rely on the event as part of their income for the year."

She added that she would be bringing several new stalls including an old-fashioned sweet seller and a blacksmith who makes wrought iron furniture. She also hopes to add expert talks and children's entertainment to the 2010 show.

"It's a bit like coming home," Mrs Sterck said. "I grew up in Kent and my mum used to take me as a treat to Tonbridge for lunch and shopping. I'm really looking forward to it. We're really pleased to take it on.

"We're planning to take the show from strength to strength and really get to know local businesses."