The organisers of Brighstone and District Horticultural Society’s Autumn Show were blown away by the quality and quantity of entries at two venues, the Wilberforce Hall and Scout Hut, on Saturday. With more than 450 entries from 80 exhibitors there was plenty for visitors to admire.

Highlights in the horticulture classes included a sublime container of flowers by IW Observer gardening columnist, Darren Everest, which scooped the Best in Show with his flower exhibit.

The People’s Choice Award went to the amazing heaviest pumpkin, entered by James Kingswell – so heavy was it, at 350kg (770lbs), it had to be exhibited on a palette outside the halls.

In cookery, the preserve classes were extremely well supported, and there was an impressive range of both traditional and imaginative handicraft skills on display.

The winning entry in the art class, a portrait of a black dog, was impressive, not least because the entrant was 12-year-old, Lyra Forster.

Elaine Squire, co-chairman, said: “Even with two halls to spread the exhibits over, space was extremely tight because of the number of entries. If we get many more entries than this in the future, we’ll need a third hall! We’d like to thank exhibitors, volunteers and visitors for their support.”

Winners: Darren Everest – John Cull Memorial Cup for Best in Show and Flower Cup, James Kingswell – Dave Bartlett Shield for most points in show, Jim Rice Shield for best onions, Percy Westmore Cup for best potatoes, Vegetable Cup and Pot Plant Cup.

Tracey Dove – Bob Buckett Memorial Cup for best apples, Bob Castle – Fruit Cup and Handicraft Cup, Sue Cox – Floral Art Cup, G Joy – Cookery Cup, Mike Roberts – Wine Cup, John Williams – Photography Cup, Bethan Benkjer – Best in Show (children).