"ONE of the best shows we've ever had" was the verdict on Bolton-le-Sands Horticultural Society's annual show at the weekend.

Society treasurer Emma Lentell told the Gazette: "We were a bit worried on Friday because of the rain and exhibitors trying to get into their gardens to bring things along, but it eased off and we had a wonderful day."

Fifty-nine exhibitors displayed their home-grown produce at the community centre.

Emma said that Brian Noon won best in show with his "absolutely amazing" collection of vegetables - a giant leek, parsnip and carrot.

Village WI president Hazel Short opened the show to commemorate 100 years since the founding of the Women's Institute, sharing snippets of history about the horticultural society's founding members.

There was also a charity auction of exhibits, with half the £70 proceeds going to Holy Trinity Church's Raise the Roof fund.

Show organisers said they would like to thank the WI for supporting the show and providing a "fantastic team" of volunteers who worked tirelessly in the kitchen to keep refreshments flowing. They also thanked everybody who donated delicious cakes for sale.

Organisers said the transformation of an empty hall into a magnificent show takes a great deal of organisation and hard work by a dedicated group of volunteers and committee members, without which it could not happen.

The horticultural society says it is "in great need" of new committee members so, if you can spare the time to help with events, please contact acting secretary Brenda Muir on 01524-824018.

TROPHIES: Mary Baldwin Rose Bowl for best exhibit, B. Noon; Miss Foster Vase for most points in open flowers, J. Speak; W Sharples Trophy for most points in local vegetables, K. Briggs; R Moore Cup for most points in open vegetable, B. Noon; H Hill Trophy for most points in most points in local flowers, K. Briggs; H M Foster Cup for most points in home craft, A. Dean; T O Walker Cup for most points in handicraft, M. Cammack; Mrs M A Grubb Cup for most points in floral art, J. Bull; Mrs D Orr Challenge Cup for most points in children’s 2-6, K. Lentell; Mrs J Whithington Challenge cup for most points in children’s 7-11, S. Casson; Pat & Michael Fuller Sweet Pea Bowl, P. & T. Davey; C W Grubb Cup, R. & T. Piearce; Dr A Brock Trophy, J Speak;

The B S Cottam Cup for best plant, D. Hack; E Rawlinson Trophy, D. Fishwick & D. Carr; Alderman E G Smith Cup, A. E. Jolley; The S R Long Cup, K. Briggs; The Westmorland & North Lancashire Federation of Horticultural Show Societies Blue Ribbon for best exhibit in show, B. Noon; National Sweet Pea Society bronze medal, P. & T. Davey; National Dahlia Society bronze medal, D. Woodhouse; Banksian Medal for largest amount of prize money, A.E. Jolley.