THE FOREST of Dean chrysanthemum show continues to grow, say the organisers after a successful event in Lydney on Saturday.

Chairman of the Forest of Dean Chrysanthemum Society, Bruce Reed, said: "The show gets bigger and better each year.

"This year we had well over 100 vases gracing our show benches and considerably more people through the door."

Judge Mr Terry Fry of Burnham-on-Sea in Somerset said the quality of the exhibits was the best he had seen in a local show this season.

Winner of the prize for the best vase in the show and the National Chrysanthemum Society (NCS) silver medal was Bruce Reed who also picked up cups for best anemone, best intermediate and best reflexed blooms. He also received a certificate of merit for his anemones.

The runner-up in the best vase in show competition was Mark Ashton from south Wales with his spray chrysanthemums. He was awarded the NCS bronze medal.

The other certificate of merit was awarded to Colin Wilson for a three-bloom vase of intermediates.

He also won trophies for the most points in the show and the best fantasy.

The cup for best 'jap' was won by Dave Price and William Powell won for the best incurved.

Mr Reed also thanked the sponsors "without them the show would not continue."