'A GREAT year' for growing fruit and vegetables reaped a spectacular display at Bolton-le-Sands Horticultural Society's Summer Show.

Show secretary Louise Belcher described the home-grown produce as 'a tribute to the keen growers of the district' who entered even more exhibits than last year, despite the season's poor start.

Horticulture expert and radio broadcaster Bill Blackledge MBE opened the society's 88th show at the village community centre. He judged the floral exhibits and shared his amazement at the number and quality of entries.

Six-year-old Jessica Crabtree, granddaughter of society stalwarts Claire and the late Ian Crabtree, presented Mr Blackledge with a bouquet. The youngster also won the Orr Challenge Cup for most points in the children's classes (2-6 years).

Meanwhile, eight-year-old Amelia Mawtus scooped the Withington Challenge Cup for most points in the children’s classes (7-11 years). Amelia also helped to run the auction that closed the show. "It is wonderful to see the baton being passed on to the next generation of gardeners," said Ms Belcher.

The auction conducted by Cllr Mike Craddock, vice-chairman of Bolton-le-Sands Parish Council, raised close to £90, half of which will go to the Lancaster Canal Trust.

Louise thanked 'the many unsung members' of the horticultural society committee for their hard work and 'wonderful' WI who served tea and cakes.

Trophies. Baldwin Rose Bowl, best exhibit: D Hack. Foster Vase, most points open flowers: B Howarth. Sharples Trophy, most points local vegetables: A Jolley. Moore Cup: most points open vegetables: B Noon. Hill Trophy: most points local flowers: C Percival. Foster Cup, most points home craft: W Lyth. Walker Cup: most points handicraft: M Cammack. Grubb Cup, most points floral art: J Langan. Orr Challenge Cup, most points children 2-6 years: J Crabtree. Withington Challenge Cup, most points children 7-11 years: A Mawtus. Woods Challenge Cup, most points children 12-15 years: Pat & Michael Fuller. Sweet Pea Bowl, most points in classes 2,3,4: B Howarth. Grubb Cup, most points classes 40, 41, 44: B Howarth. Brock Trophy, class 6: J Speak. Cottam Cup: best local pot plant: D Hack. Rawlinson Trophy, class 92: A Jolley. Alderman Smith Cup, class 93: C Percival. Long Cup, class 95: M Western. Westmorland & North Lancashire Federation of Horticultural Show Societies Blue Ribbon, best exhibit in show: B Noon. National Sweet Pea Society bronze medal: B Howarth. National Dahlia Society bronze medal: B Dale. Banksian Medal, most prize money: B Howarth. Parkinson Trophy, large garden: Mr & Mrs Pennington. Pennington Trophy, small garden: B Gladstone. Briggs Trophy, patio garden: B Gladstone.