DESPITE the worst growing season in living memory, organisers of Hatherleigh and District Flower and Produce Show were still heartened by the number of exhibits and exhibitors, some of whom were showing for the first time.

Vegetable numbers were down, as you might expect, and some of the flower classes but cookery and photography swelled the numbers and the children's sections continue to grow.

Cups were awarded as follows: Flowers, Mrs Pat Canham; vegetables,r Gordon Reynolds; fruit and floral arrangements, both won by Mrs Nan Passmore, who also won the cup for best pasty and shared the Homecraft Challenge cup (cookery) with Mrs Susan Gill; photography, Miss Kay Stevens.

The cup for most points for children was won by Jessica Baulch and the Autumn Challenge Cup — most points for flowers, fruit and veg — by Gordon Reynolds. The best exhibit by a child went to 7-year-old Mary Dorain while best in show was a vase of three roses (Nostalgia) exhibited by Mrs Beverley Agnew. Sponsored by Thompson and Morgan, the top tray competition was won by Roger Gill and the top vase by Mrs Sue de Salis.

A good number of people turned out in the afternoon to view the show and enjoy tea and cakes, at what was a very successful day. Thanks were expressed to all who supported the event.