A FLOWER show in Cromhall celebrated its 71st annual event with a record year as more than 600 entries were put before judges on Saturday.

The Cromhall Flower Show and Village Fayre saw entries across a variety of categories, with 140 exhibitors showing off their finest work in the show tent, while crowds were treated to plenty of entertainment from the Dodington Parish Band, a fun dog show, animal antics and ferret racing and the traditional Punch and Judy.

Several new additions to the programme, including welly wanging, tug-o-war and a football shooting speed challenge, also proved popular and highly entertaining for those both taking part and watching.

There was also plenty of food and drink on offer with tea served up by the St Andrew’s School PTA, burgers, hot dogs and candy floss from the Woodend Scout Group, and the outstanding weather meant it was one of the best years ever for the beer tent.

Among the winners on the day were Ray and Jane Padfield who took the overall titles in the fruit and veg and the flowers classes respectively. Kate Bryant was top of the table in floral art, also taking the title for the most points in the whole show, and Linda Richards was victorious in home crafts.

The best photographer of the day was Hannah Cornford, while the best sunflowers were put on show by Dick Bryant and the open classes went to Ray Padfield.

With plenty of children’s events on offer at different age groups, the winners were Adam Johnson, Chloe Brice, Samuel Daykin, Emma Daykin, William Hilton and Alyssa Brice.

Peter Banks, the show’s chairman, said: ‘We were delighted with the continued increase in the number of people entering exhibits across the diverse range of categories including vegetables, fruit, flowers, baking, home crafts and photography - there really was something for everyone.

“After the committee’s hard work and organisation this year, we are all delighted with the tremendous success of this year’s show.

“The one element we have no control over is the weather and after several years of less than favourable conditions, we were rewarded with fabulous sunshine for entire afternoon which made such a difference.”