Ninfield Summer Show

That was the opinion of organiser Rose Franks, who said the standard of entries was the highest she could remember for some time.

Over 450 plants were on display from 45 entrants. Despite the poor summer, the love and attention green-fingered gardening enthusiasts had showered on their blooms paid off as the village memorial hall came alive with colour.

Rose said: "Most of the classes are up this year, particularly the domestic, which is up a third on last year. We have got some friendly rivalry going on so that really helps.

"We have got our usual stalwarts who have entered but they have entered in more categories which is pleasing and our dahlias are up, which is really good.

"You never really know until the day what you will get but I'm really impressed. It is nice to see some new people entering each time."

Society president Doug March said: "It is a cracking show - one of the best.

"The weather has effected a lot of things but people have kept things sheltered and it has come right on the day. The dahlias don't last long anyway and if they are right today they would be wrong by another.

"People have done us proud and they keep coming back. We provide them with vases and look after them and they keep coming back year after year.

"It has been of an extremely high standard."