Little Common Horticultural Society summer show

The tables at Little Common Community Centre were laden with fruit, vegetables and flowers nurtured through weeks of difficult weather conditions and somehow brought to a triumphant peak of perfection at precisely the right time.

From the displays of onions, cherry tomatoes, chillies and redcurrants to the domestic displays and elegant floral arrangements, it all added up to a diverse and successful society show.

Chairman Susan Penney said: "I think it is very good We have got a lot of exhibits and most of them are beautiful. This hasn't been the easiest year because it has been either very dry or heavily wet, so we have done quite well.

"I think the orchids are a highlight this year - this is the first year we have had them, certainly I have never seen them as big as this."

Society president Beryl Brand commented: "The highlight of the show to me is the domestic section. We gave a recipe for cherry cake to our members and they all did the same recipe. We had eight people do it and not one cake looks the same. I find that very interesting to see how cakes vary in their way of cooking and what the result is.

"I do like to encourage new people and we have one or two new people exhibiting this year, particularly veg, and they have done very well - that is pleasing. It's a new generation and that is what we need."

She believes the show itself is a strong feature of life in Little Common village and added: "We feel it keeps the village community alive, which is important. It is a bit of England - this is England to me."