FLORAL fans Jean and Chris Barker hope flower power will help them scoop an international award.

The pair are heading to the Far East to represent the UK in a worldwide orchid show.

For what began as a one-off gift ten years ago, the couple now have about 700 orchids on show in their home.

Retired teacher Mr Barker, from Stockton, Teesside, will fly out to Taiwan today with his wife to set up their display at the Taiwan International Orchid Show.

With a truly British theme, Mr Barker, 63, will be poised with posters of the Queen, James Bond and scenic shots from the English Tourist Board.

"Due to tight restrictions on transporting the orchids," said Mr Barker. "We won't be taking any of our own plants.

"So in their absence, we will be showing off the best of British.

The posters will showcase top tourist spots, such as Stonehenge and York Minster.

"We are extremely proud to be representing the country in this huge show."

The UK has never entered the show before, with problems of costs and travel expenses.

But Mr and Mrs Barker, whose son lives and works in the Far East, have tied in the show with one of their visits.

After buying his wife an orchid as a gift ten years ago, caring for the plant became a huge interest to the couple.

While in Taiwan, they will miss out on the Darlington and Disrtict Orchid Society Show on March 11.

But the Far East exhibition is expecting to pull in crowds of 200,000 with a top exhibitors prize of 100,000 Taiwanese dollars.