MORE than 1,000 people turned out to enjoy the Four Colnes show in Earls Colne Hundreds of exhibits were to be enjoyed at the annual event, run by the Four Colnes Horticultural Society.

Speaking after Saturday’s event, on Earls Colne recreation ground, Richard Curtis, society secretary, said: “We had a super day. All the judges commented on the high standard, quality and variety of exhibits. We had an exceptionally large crowd from the village and from afar.

“We always hope for better than the last one and we got it. Everyone had a good time.”

The handicraft, photographic and art classes won special particular praise from the judges. The new scarecrow competition attracted a wide variety of entrants and more than 700 ballots were cast from the crowds at the show. The fun family dog show featured about 30 entrants, while visitors also had the chance to enjoy displays, stalls, music and dance from performers including the Colchester Band.

Earls Colne Parish Council ran a stall, offering visitors free energy-saving devices. It also signed up about 30 gardeners for new allotments , which are being set up in the village.

The winner of the prize for the most points throughout the show, the Peter Fill cup was Jenny Dale, who is president of the show society.

The most closely-fought contest of all came in the under-eights’ category when, after seven classes had been judged, four entrants were joint first. In the end, four cups were found.