THE annual Sandford Flower Show, held at the Parish Hall on August Bank Holiday Monday, saw on display some fine examples of flowers, produce, floral displays, handicraft, cookery, vegetables, as well as exhibits in children's classes.

There were 70 fewer entrants in the range of classes, it is believed due to the long dry spell in the spring and summer, but there were still more than 500 entries in the 150 classes.

The entries in classes were made by 40 local exhibitors, four of who were first time exhibitors at the show.

Show committee chairman, Tony Wright, said it was a "most enjoyable show".

He thanked all those who entered exhibits and all those who went along to see the hall full of the exhibits.

He thanked the judges, who had a difficult job selecting the winners, and also the stewards and small show committee, who helped on the day.

He added thanks to the many show sponsors.

Mr Wright said that the good weather allowed cream teas to be served on the patio at the rear of the hall.

He also thanked Mike Snow for making for sale "Pigs Ears".

Pigs Ears are shortbread biscuits made in the shape of a pig's ear, from an original recipe of the local Snow family, who were bakers in the village many years ago.

He recalled how people used to walk from Crediton at that time just to buy pig's ears at the old Sandford Revel.

Mr Wright said that during the year three volunteers spent a session at Sandford School teaching the children to make posies of flowers.

He added that the Flower Show committee was short of members and asked if anyone was interested in joining, to please contact him on 01392 680323.

Trophies were presented by Cllr Mrs Margaret Squires, chairman of the Parish Council.

Principal prizewinners were: Most points – Dave Friendship, Vegetable and fruit classes – Dave Friendship, Best exhibit in vegetable section – George Lee (with four apples), Most points in flower classes – Mary Rose Somerville.

Best pot plant – Rita King, Heaviest pumpkin – Dave Friendship, Best runner beans – Sid Cann, Best Asters double (three blooms) – Mary Rose Somerville, Fruit cake – Helen Lee.

Most points in floral art – Margaret Tucker, Best exhibit in floral art classes – Elaine Stanlake, Most points in cookery classes – Lorna Cheriton, Most points in homecraft – Trish Walker.

Best exhibit in photography – Julie Strange, Most points in photography – Richard Burston, Most points in primary school children's classes – Emily Wilson, Most points in children's classes (up to 18 years of age) – Amy and Louise Cheriton.

Most points in photography – Will Balsdon, Best exhibit in children's classes – Amy Cheriton, Best exhibit of child's photo – Will Balsdon.

Alan Quick