Gardeners and growers proudly displayed their produce at the Highgate Horticultural Society Summer Show which enjoyed perfect weather.

There were more than 100 classes open to the public on Saturday, ranging from cut flowers, pot plants, fruit, preserves home baking and handicraft, with awards on offer for the winners of each category.

The event, held at the United Reformed Church in South Grove, attracted more visitors than usual, thanks to the warm weather.

The crowd enjoyed homemade tea and cakes, bric-a-brac stalls and a raffle.

The church hall was cleared during the morning for show judges to inspect the hundreds of colourful and fragrant entries.

Top honours went to long-standing society member Alan Dallman, who won three awards with his array of cut flowers, and Gary Sycamore, who impressed the judges with his fruit and veg.

Nautical

New member Eric Gurman, exhibiting at Highgate for the first time after more than 40 years at other horticultural shows, won awards for his sweet peas and cut flowers, while Michael Donagher won the best single vegetable category for his cucumber.

Other highlights included the flower arranging classes, which took on a nautical theme, and included “beside the seaside” exhibits and miniatures in sea shells.

New entrant Julia Robb claimed the Novice Certificate of Merit in floral art, as well as the best exhibit in handicraft for some beautiful driftwood boats.

Committee member Laura Boothman said: “There were a lovely range of exhibits and it was really nice to see some new entrants winning alongside some of our well-seasoned winners.

“People were making the most of the lovely weather and coming to enjoy the colour and scents of the season.”

n The next show will take place on September 21. Visit www.highgatehorticulturalsociety.org.uk.