AS THE gardener’s year moves on to the next season, the Dodleston Autumn Show reached its 30th year.

Hours of digging, weeding, nurturing and watering go into producing the crop of flowers, fruit and vegetables that were presented at the show.

Homemade cakes, wines and clothing also reflect the diversity and skills that make up the community.

Chris Gittins won this year’s show outright – his range of flowers, fruit, vegetables and crafts were outstanding and for the second year running he got to keep the Merryl Shanklin Memorial Trophy on his mantelpiece for another year.

Judith Carter’s cakes were a big hit and at the auction of produce, her “disaster” cake, a ginger cake with drizzled icing, sold for a record £10.

Don Cowley’s onions and leeks made a welcome return to the show this year.

David Carter produced a wide variety of vegetables and fruit that scored well across all categories, and his home made wine won first place across the board.

Sheila Ballantyne produced two beautiful handmade garments. Cathy Allsopp was a surprise competitor this year, winning a clutch of certificates in many categories.

James and Wendy Clarke’s family supported the show in their traditional style – the children making entries and James winning a first for his runner beans.

Leah, Callum and Sam Lewis each entered a beautifully made homemade gingerbread man and won certificates.

Thanks were expressed to those who helped make the event possible including Chris Roberts, Sheila Jenkins, Barbara Rogers and Liz Shanklin. The Dodleston Village Foundation also supported the event.