CHERITON Bishop Horticultural Society Village Show, held in the Village Hall, was a big success, with the number of exhibits going up for the last two years.

Show secretary, Jenny Grist, said: "We had 55 entrants this year, not including the playgroup who all entered two of the under fives classes en masse.

"The numbers have been up for the last two years with many more entries in the vegetable classes, reflecting the increasing interest in growing vegetables."

The overall winner of the show was Joyce Ganderton with 84 points in the flower section alone.

Mary Snell won the "Joker's Cup", which is presented to the winner of special classes in each section with a humorous theme such as "the prettiest weeds in a jam jar", "a candid camera photograph" and a particularly popular class entitled "One I didn't make earlier", which involved those taking part being given a selection of materials with which to produce a flower arrangement in half an hour.

The organisers were particularly pleased with the number of new entrants of all ages who took part.

Entrants in competitions must live within five miles of Cheriton Bishop Parish Church.

The prizes were presented by Rev Martin Wood, the local rector.

Alan Quick

Results: Pre School mug - James Unsworth, 5-7 years cup - Adam Barclay, 8-11 years cup - Thomas Barclay, 12-14 years cup - Katie Grist.

Flower cup - Joyce Ganderton, Vegetable cup - Tony Milward, Wilf Rice Fruit bowl - Janet Grist.

Best Exhibit in Cookery - David Ganderton, Floral art - Kathy Allder, Flower and Floral Art combined cup - Joyce Ganderton, Ladies' cup - Janet Grist.

Joker's cup - Mary Snell, Novice cup - James Unsworth, The Banksian Medal - Tony Milward, Challenge Cup for the winner of the most points overall - Joyce Ganderton.