HUNDREDS of garden enthusiasts flocked to a horticultural fete in Monk Sherborne.

Despite the stormy weather, about 400 people of all ages attended the 62nd Monk Sherborne and District Horticultural show and fete on Saturday, August 2, which was run by the Monk Sherborne and District Horticultural Society.

Keen gardeners showed off their prized vegetables and fruit at the show, before judges awarded trophies and rosettes to the top of the crop.

Entries were submitted in 99 different categories, including a WW1 flower display, the best onion and the longest marrow, as well as craft categories with paintings, sculptures and photographs.

A dog show saw 85 dogs compete in four different categories, including the waggiest tail, best bitch, most handsome dog and the fastest dog biscuit eater.

There was lots of fun on offer for younger visitors including three-legged races, egg and spoon races and a welly throwing competition.

A range of stalls selling items including cakes and cards also drew in the crowds, along with a raffle featuring prizes such as £50 in cash, a clay pigeon shooting lesson with a member of the England team and the chance to drive a Lamborghini.

For visitors working up an appetite there were burgers, ice creams and refreshments on sale from a range of stalls.

Kim Fleming, chairperson of the Horticultural Society, told The Gazette: “It went pretty well despite the weather but it was still very well attended. The dog show was pretty good and it was very competitive and we had 85 dogs competing in four categories.

“It was a very British day. We turned up despite the rain and everyone got drenched and dry and then drenched again but nobody cared.

“The committee from the society works incredibly hard to put this event on. Everybody came to help set it up, run the stalls and help take everything down.”