THIS summer's sunnier weather attracted a higher than normal entry for this year's Grey Mare Dahlia Society show.

The number of blooms on show was up by 40 per cent on last year's disappointing event. Show manager Philip Yates said it had been one of the society's best shows.

But the England v Germany football match put a slight damper on the event, with only 100 people turning up to view the flowers -- down from around 250 last year.

But Mr Yates said: "Overall it was a great event, with more exhibitors and lots of enthusiasm.

"Next year we'll be looking at trying to attract more people in the afternoon, which is often quiet for us."

The 42nd show attracted the best of Bolton's dahlia growers. Last year they were hit by the worst summer for 25 years, but this year they were in more buoyant mood at Tottington Road Methodist Church Hall after a better season.

Mr Yates, aged 55, of Linwood Grove, Harwood, said the recently unfashionable dahlia was making a comeback in herbaceous borders and patio pots across the country.