A BOUQUET of flowers was presented to a stalwart of Bolton-le-Sands Horticultural Society in gratitude for 34 years' outstanding service.

Society stalwart Joan Buckley opened Saturday's 89th annual summer show, where she presented trophies to the winners and made a speech thanking committee members.

Mrs Buckley has been a member of the organising committee since 1983 and was assistant chief steward for many years, playing a major part in organising shows and other events. Mrs Buckley recently stepped down from this role but is still helping out in other ways.

Saturday's show saw the village community centre "transformed from an echoey empty hall into a magnificent display of flowers and local produce", said show secretary Louise Belcher.

Visitors flocked from far and wide to view the exhibits and enjoy tea and cakes.

A new shield for most points in the Bolton-le-Sands garden competition was inaugurated by David Rodwell, and presented to villager Don Hack.

Meanwhile, long service awards were given to Bill Bainbridge, honorary chief steward, and Chris Bainbridge, who have both clocked up 20 years on the committee.

Former show secretary Pat Fuller, a long-time friend of Bolton-le-Sands Horticultural Society, presented the honours to the two men, who are described as "absolutely essential for setting up the show".

Show secretary Louise Belcher thanked the horticultural society committee for its hard work and said the "wonderful community event" could not happen without their efforts. She added: "Thanks also go to Jean Dennis and Angela Hodder from the WI who once again helped staff the kitchen, serving tea and cakes all afternoon."

Finally, an auction led by parish council vice-chairman Mike Craddock raised just under £90, half of which will be given to the society's charity of the year, Bay Search and Rescue.

Trophy winners.

Baldwin Rose Bowl, best open exhibit: B Noon. Foster Vase, most points open flowers: J Speak. Sharples Trophy, most points local vegetables: B Muir. Moore Cup, most points open vegetables: B Noon. Hill Trophy, most points local flowers: D Fishwick & D Carr. Foster Cup, most points homecraft: A Dean. Walker Cup, most points handicraft, J Spotswood. Grubb Cup, most points floral art: J Walsh. Whithington Cup, most points children's 7-11: Amelia Mawtus. Fuller Bowl, most points open sweet peas: T & P Davey. Grubb Cup, most points ferns: T Piearce. Brock Trophy, roses, five blooms, open: J Speak. Rawlinson Trophy, vase sweet peas, local: T & P Davey. Smith Cup, rose cycle, local: B Dale. Long Cup, gladiolus, one spike: B Dale. Cottam Cup, best local pot plant: V Cloran. National Sweet Pea Society bronze medal, best exhibit: T & P Davey. National Dahlia Society bronze medal, best exhibit: D Woodhouse. Westmorland & N Lancs Federation of Horticultural Society Shows blue ribbon, best horticultural exhibit: B Noon. Banksian Medal, most prize money: A Brown. Parkinson Trophy, large garden: Mr & Mrs Waddington. Pennington Trophy, small garden: D Hack. Briggs Trophy, patio garden: B Chadwick. Rodwell Shield, most points village garden competition: D Hack.