An unusual swan-shaped squash was the talking point of the Highgate Horticultural Society’s Autumn Show.

The large green vegetable was grown by new member Helen Joyce, who scooped the top prize in the unusually shaped vegetable class at the show on Saturday at the United Reformed Church in South Grove, Highgate Village.

The squash was on display amidst a bountiful array of harvest produce of all shapes and sizes, ranging from plump tomatoes to juicy blackberries and apples.

Committee member Dr Laura Boothman said: “You just never know what veg are going to be thrown up out of an allotment and this year it was a bent squash. It looked just like a swan.

“It was from one of our new members and the first time she had entered anything into a show. We would love other new members to come and have a go and enter things because it just goes to show that even first time, you can walk away with first prize.”

Green-fingered growers were rewarded for their tireless efforts in the greenhouse, with dozens of prizes up for grabs at the society’s third and final flower show of the year.

The Simplicitas Cup was awarded for the first time in 95 years to Steve Hopper and Mary Alexander for the most points in tomato classes.

As reported in the Ham&High, the historic cup was rediscovered last year in a box of treasured possessions in a Cornish family’s attic and reunited with the society.

Impressive floral arrangements were also on show, with Gary Sycamore winning a certificate of merit for floral art for his red, white and blue Dig for Victory display.

To join the society, visit highgatehorticulturalsociety.org.uk.