FOR well over 60 years, the month of September has seen West Woodburn octogenarian George Dent laying out the fruits of his labours in the garden on the benches of Corsenside Parish Leek and Vegetable Society’s annual show.

But even before George benched his flowers and vegetables for this year’s show, he was already a trophy winner.

For in recognition of his long-term support for the show, a surprised George was presented with an engraved lead crystal rose bowl that was engraved to commemorate the occasion.

Show chairman Andrew Harding said: “George has been a great supporter of the show for over 60 years, so the society thought it would be appropriate to give him a surprise award.

“We tried to ascertain exactly how long he had been showing, but George could not remember and we did not want to spoil the surprise by prying too deeply and arousing George’s suspicions!”

George’s son Phillip and daughter Irene were on hand to see the presentation.

But George was not just at the show to make up the numbers.

He won the Vickers Defence Cup for most points in the floral and vegetable section, the Farmura Cup for the best vegetable collection, and the award for the best bucketful of potatoes.

The show took place in glorious sunshine in a marquee on Whiteacre Green at West Woodburn, rather than the traditional village hall.

Most classes in the flower and vegetable section were well supported, but the baking section had a tremendous number of entrants.

The judge at one point had to select the best entrants from 15 quiches and, on another occasion, 11 chocolate cakes!

The trophies were presented by Peter Stobie, representing the Ridsdale Village Hall Fund, one of the show’s major supporters.

To complement the activities in the marquee, a quoits competition was held, with pairs selected at random, and the eventual winners were Caroline Currie and John Athey.

As usual, the sale of produce followed the presentation and was well supported by all on the field.

Immediately after this, there was a disco for the junior members of the parish, and the evening was rounded off by live music in the marquee until midnight.

The following day, there was a craft and community fair in the marquee, with exhibitors from the locality along with others from as far away as Durham.

There was also a fun dog show, which proved very popular.