THE last ever Frenchay flower show went out in a blaze of colour on Saturday.

Crowds flocked to the grounds of Frenchay Hospital to marvel at blooming displays arranged by Frenchay and Hambrook Horticultural Society.

Chairman of the group Joan Beasant said: "I really wanted the last show to go out on a high and it actually did that.

"It was a lovely day and everything went just right."

The society has cut the stalks on the annual show, which has now reached retirement age at 65.

Mrs Beasant, of Frampton Cotterell, said: "Every year the society loses £1,000 on the show and our finances have just dwindled.

"It is very sad but those of us who organise it are all in our seventies or eighties.

"It needs to be run by a whole new group of people.

"There are enough people in the village to do something and we would really like to see the people of Frenchay start up a similar event to the flower show."

Marshfield Brass Band, exhibitions by groups of lacemakers and a rare appearance from the summer sun helped make the last show a memorable one.

It was held in conjunction with a vintage vehicle show, featuring a 1960s Formula 1 car and a 1913 Willys Overland, staged by Frenchay Village Museum.