AN annual horticultural show has been hailed "the best yet" by organisers.

Claines Royal British Legion said the show had been "fantastic", with 348 entries for the 97 different classes.

For the first time in the 10 years it has been running the show was opened to the public, with dozens of people living in the Claines parish popping in to see what the club gets up to.

"It was a fantastic day," said Shirley Roxburgh, show secretary.

"The standard for each class was outstanding."

There were classes for vegetables, fruit and flowers at the show - which was held at the RBL clubhouse, in Cornmeadow Lane, Claines - as well as cake and jam making and flower arranging.

Presented

There were also classes for handicrafts, home wine making and photography.

Mick Smith, club chairman, presented the awards to the adult entrants, who accrue points from winning or gaining places in a number of different classes.

The Men's Shield went to Elwyn Jones, with 26 points.

Ruth Dixon, meanwhile, won the Ladies' Rose Bowl, with a "fantastic" 34 points.

"Both awards were richly deserved," said Mr Smith.

Meanwhile, the highlight for many club members, according to Press Officer Bob Hudson, was the children's competition.

"Many of their classes were novelty items and the kids did everyone proud by rising to the occasion with innovation and wit," said Mr Hudson.

Four-year-old Georgia Simpson received a cup for her Garden in a Tray, while Jake Walker, also four, received a cup for growing The Tallest Sunflower.

The prize for The Sunflower with the Biggest Face went to Jake Jarrod, and Jodie Irish won a cup for her cartoon drawing.

Barry Dixon, chairman of the club's gardening section, presented the children's prizes.

"Every entry deserved to win, they were so good," he said.

The produce from the competition was sold off following the event to raise funds for the Royal British Legion's Annual Poppy Appeal.