An almost frenzied auction unfolded at a Highgate flower show as children bid with their pocket money against one another to try to claim some of the prize-winning blooms for Mother’s Day.

The shining sun brought a large turnout to the Highgate Horticultural Society’s Spring Show at the United Reformed Church, in Highgate Village last Saturday.

Visitors sipped on tea and enjoyed homemade cake, soaking up the atmosphere both inside and outside the church.

Within the church they were able to admire bright daffodils and scented hyacinths amongst other prize blooms, overset by tree blossoms looming above.

Dr Laura Boothman, one of the society’s committee members, said: “It was a fantastic day.

“This time last year we were under four inches of snow, but this winter has been very mild, so lots of the flowers and plants are well ahead of where they would have been.”

It was family affair all round as mothers and daughters also competed for prizes.

Chairman of the Society, Alan Dallman, a perennial winner of the Brough Tankard for best exhibit of bulbous plants and flowers, was this year beaten to it by his daughter Alison Dallman’s superb pink camellias.

Dr Boothman, in contrast, entered the show with her mother, who had come down from Yorkshire, and explained: “People were taking flowers home for family members who couldn’t join us on the day.”

She attributed the high turnout to the fact that it was Mother’s Day the following day and that people were able to buy flowers that were “really unique”.

* The society is seeking new members. Visit www.highgatehorticulturalsociety.org.uk