EXHIBITORS and visitors took root in Trinity Methodist hall, Gillibrand Walks, on Saturday for the annual Chorley and District Gardening Society Flower Show.

A whole range of exhibits, including chrysanthemums, dahlias, cacti, fuchsia, carnations and vegetables, were on show in a variety of classes, including a nursery and children's section.

Donald West, society chairman and show recorder, said the show's popularity was positively blooming.

He said: "Altogether we had 483 entries which is about 100 up on last year, divided between 62 exhibitors, so it's quite good.

"We were really very pleased with it."

The show also gave budding young gardeners the chance to get involved with some rather unusual categories.

Young Jack Derbyshire, six, had been out collecting the leaves of wild flowers, and came in to win a prize for the 'longest dandelion leaves'.

The prickly cacti also attracted a lot of interest with their unusual shapes and sizes, and veteran grower Donald West had plenty of excellent specimens on show.

As well as all the floral attractions, there were also home-made crafts on display, a photographic section, and floral arts.

And when guests had had enough admiring the exhibits, they could relax over a nice cup of tea and a slice of home-made cake.