BLOCKLEY gardeners defied the difficult summer to show off their green-fingered skills over the weekend.

Despite the problems faced by gardeners everywhere this year, Blockley Horticultural Society's summer show last Saturday was a resounding success. People went along in droves to see the show in St George's Hall in the village and society chairman Wendy Dare said: "The entries were up, the number of people attending was up and the quality was up."

Children's classes proved very popular this year and Mrs Dare said: "The photographic section, which we have been nurturing for some time, was exceptionally well-supported."

The show also saw the presentation of prizes to the winners of the village hanging basket competition and the first allotment competition held in the village for many years.