Organisers of this year’s autumn flower show in Abbots Langley have hailed it is as “the best yet”.

The sun shone as record numbers of visitors flocked to the Abbots Langley Gardening Society’s annual show in Henderson Hall.

The popular event featured a dazzling array of entries in categories which included everything from flower and vegetable growing, to handicrafts, baking and photography.

Secretary Jane Lay said: “This has been the best show the society has held for many years with an increase of 50 entries.

“The committee was panicking that they may run out of tables to show all the exhibits but luckily extra tables were found. The day ran very smoothly. We had record numbers who came to visit this year.”

Chairman of the Parish Council Councillor David Major presented trophies to new and current members.

Jane and Leon Lay again produced an abundance of “beautiful” dahlias while Keith Gissing, Carol Higgs and new entrant Brenda Verge also impressed with their lovely displays.

Roger Silvester and John Beaumont came up trumps again with their vegetables.

Doreen Higgs continued her winning strike with her cooking exhibits and a big surprise of the day came from John Tapster who’s tasty Christmas chutney not only impressed the judges but the ladies too.

Lynda Sutherland's photograph displaying a close-up shot of a bee in a flower secured her two cups.

The Lay family scooped the Challenge Plate after scoring the most points in the show.

Mrs Lay said she was pleased to see that two children had entered this year and hoped that more would be encouraged to enter in future.

The society holds social meetings every third Thursday in the month at the Manor House Sports and Social Centre. The next speaker will be Stuart Phillips talking about the secrets and mysteries of pruning on Thursday, September 17.

RESULTS:

BEST IN SHOW

DAHLIAS Gentry Cup: LEON LAY

ROSES Bert Cooper cup: JANE LAY

FLOWERS Leon G Lay Trophy: KEITH GISSING

FRUIT Norman Cup: CHRIS BROMWICH

VEGETABLES John Peaty Cup: JOHN BEAUMONT

ART/CRAFT Faulconer Vase: JO BROMWICH

DECORATIVE Silver Cup: CAROL HIGGS

HOUSEHOLD Crownshaw Cup: JOHN TAPSTER

YOUNG EXHIBITOR Barry Highland Cup: CHARLOTTE JEAVONS

PHOTOGRAPH Val Beattie Cup: LYNDA SUTHERLAND

EXHIBITORS GAINING THE MOST POINTS

DAHLIA Drusilla Dennis Chalice: LEON AND JANE LAY

ROSE Walter Ashby: CAROL HIGGS

FLOWER Jane Lay Chalice: BRENDA VERGE

FRUIT/VEG Kitchingman Trophy: ROGER SILVESTER

ART/CRAFT/PHOTOGRAPHS Silver Cup: LYNDA SUTHERLAND

DECORATIVE Henderson Cup: CAROL HIGGS

HOUSEHOLD Doreen Higgs Cup: DOREEN HIGGS

YOUNG EXHIBITOR 4 - 7 YRS Silver Cup: ARCHIE JEAVONS

YOUNG EXHIBITOR 8 - 12 YRS Silver Cup: CHARLOTTE JEAVONS

STEWART CHALLENGE PLATE

First:LAY

Second:HIGGS

Third:SILVESTER