IT was another successful year for a Drybrook flower exhibitor who picked up at least five prizes at Bream Gardening Soci-ety’s 67th annual Chrysanthemum Show on Saturday.

Author and collector Arthur Wilkes ’quite rightly deserved’ to win prizes in the chrysanthemum classes, which was one of many categories judged at the West Dean Centre.

Show secretary, Marina Lambert said: "Mr Wilkes took most of the prizes – as he always does. But he really does deserve to."

There were a good number of entries - and this year saw novice Alan O’Dell scoop the winning prize despite it being his first year in the competition.

Marina said: "It’s lovely to have novices join in such as Alan O’Dell, who I am very proud of as this is his first time entering and he won the Novices Cup.

"Both he and sixteen-year-old Julie Sparkes are up and coming gardeners. Julie year-on-year continues to get better and better.

"The show was so lovely and pleasant and we had some fantastic entries across the chrysanthemum classes, floral arrangements, domestic section which included crafts, and three categories for photographs.

"The society is growing – quite literally – with currently 100 members on the books. We are always looking for new members and volunteers to help. Anybody interested can call me on 01594 562894.

"On behalf of the society, I must thank Dave Gibbons, his wife Margaret and their daughter for providing refreshments."