DAHLIAS lovingly tended by Jim Athersmith, of Newland, won the blue riband for best horticultural exhibit at Ulverston Gardeners' Society annual show.

"They were outstanding - immaculate," said show secretary Mavis Woodburn.

"We had a record number of entries this year - 735. There seems to have been more interest in the vegetables; maybe the weather was right for them. Last year there were 133 entries and this year there were 174.

"Every class was up this year and the children's were up from 88 to 116. It's been a very good show."

Saturday's event took place at Ulverston's Coronation Hall, attracting exhibitors from as far afield as Egremont and the Fylde coast.

Trophies and special awards

Westmorland & N Lancs Federation Blue Ribbon, best horticultural exhibit in show: Jim Athersmith, Ulverston.

South Cumbria Association Rosette, best horticultural exhibit runner-up: Mark Roskell, Cleveleys. Vegetable Society Medal, best vegetables exhibit: Mark Roskell. Dahlia Society Bronze Medal, best dahlia exhibit: Jim Athersmith. James Randell Shield, best potatoes: Fred Barnes, Ulverston. Swarthmoor & Ulverston Co-op Society Cup, most points in onion classes : Mark Roskell. Fred Berrett Trophy, best onions from seed: Mark Hewertson, Egremont. G H Mackereth Trophy, most points in vegetables classes 14-43: Mrs N Misra, Barrow. NVS Millennium Plate, winner of vegetables class with most entries: Bill Southward, Egremont. J & C Dodd Trophy, best fruit exhibit: Mark Roskell. S K Barnes Memorial Trophy, best roses: Mark Hewertson, Egremont. Powdered Metal Products Trophy, most points in roses: Fred Barnes, Ulverston. Ashley Accessories Trophy, most points in dahlias: Jim Athersmith. Albert Porter Memorial Trophy, best exhibit of dahlias: Jim Athersmith. North Lonsdale Chrysanthemum Society Trophy, most points in chrysanthemums: J & J Ireland, Penny Bridge. R F Oxley Trophy, best chrysanthemums: Mark Hewertson. Glaxo Laboratories Trophy, best cut flowers: Fred Barnes. Elsie Cave Memorial Trophy, best perennials: Fred Barnes. Best exhibit in classes 92-95: Fred Barnes. Stanley Hird Trophy: most points in cut flowers: Fred Barnes. Ulverston Chamber of Trade Trophy, best pot plants: Mark Hewertson. The Late S Robinson & F B Hart-Jackson Rose Bowl, most points in pot plants: Mrs N Misra. Gillie Bushby Memorial Trophy, best geraniums: Vicky Smith. Littlefair Trophy, most points in geraniums: Vicky Smith. W K Ormandy Trophy, best cookery & home produce exhibit: Mrs M Morris, Ulverston. Ulverston Town Council Trophy, most cookery points: Rachel Godwin. Jubilee Trophy, most points in preserves: Mrs M Morris. UGS Trophy, most photography points: Katherine Smith. Bishop-Rowe Trophy , best photograph: Katherine Smith. TG Marple Trophy: most handicrafts points: Mrs A Collar, Ulverston. Ulverston District Council Festival Trophy: best handicrafts exhibit: Marjorie Horne. Border TV Trophy: best knitted item in classes 185-187: Mrs A Collar. Robin Trophy, best handicraft exhibit by a senior citizen: Marjorie Horne. Miniature Trophy, best exhibit in children's classes 206-210: Alice Rawlinson. Miniature Trophy best exhibit in children's classes 211-215: Othelia Taylor. Miniature Trophy, best exhibit in children's classes 216-217: Ellen Rawlinson. Hartley's Brewery Trophy, most points in junior classes: Sophie Rouse. Davies Trophy, best miniature garden: Sophie Rouse. J & C Dodd Trophy, best creature made from fruit and/or vegetables: Sophie Rouse. Miniature Trophy, best decorated sandwich cake: Sophie Rouse.