ALCESTER'S annual flower and vegetable show, held at Ragley Hall recently, was a huge success.

Among the familiar faces vying for the honours were Geoff Owen and Fred Hunt, whose giant vegetables were described as being "as big and beautiful as ever".

The pair finished just one point apart at the end of the day, with Mr Hunt taking the overall honours.

Show secretary Hilary Morgan said there were 500 entries from 70 exhibitors from across Warwickshire and Worcestershire.

"The flowers were a little down on 2003 but the displays of floral art and the baking more than made up for it. There were so many cakes entered, the cookery judge took nearly two hours to finish.

"The organisers are very pleased with the turnout and happy that growing and showing is still strong in this area."