A BREAK in the rain helped to bring in the crowds and make the annual Frenchay Village Flower Show a success on Saturday.

Last year’s fears that an ageing committee membership and dwindling funds would mean an end to the popular event were laid to rest with a new committee, made up of Frenchay residents and the Horticultural Society, who refused to let the show go after more than 65 very successful years.

The Flower Show now has new venues in Frenchay Village Hall, the Friends' Meeting House and on adjacent Frenchay Common, which drew large crowds, especially when BBC news presenter Alex Lovell officially opened the flower show at 2pm.

Highlights of the event included the Women’s Institute, who provided their very popular cream teas, the Marshfield Brass Band, The Winterbourne Down Border Morris Dancers, tractors and stationary engines organised by Richard Fox of Frenchay and Frenchay C of E Primary School choir.

"Fantastic weather helped make it a day to remember and a very high standard of entries were received, from the very young to the elderly, and competitors made a colourful display," said Martin Sheppard, chairman of Frenchay Flower Show.

"There was a Vintage Bus that provided transport to and from the Vintage Car Show that was held at the Frenchay Museum and this proved very popular."

Towards the end of the afternoon awards and trophies were presented to the successful exhibitors and the event was brought to a close by an auction, conducted by Margaret Clarke, of produce generously donated by exhibitors.

The Village Hall was then transformed into a dance hall and residents and people involved with the show enjoyed a party with a live band.

Mr Sheppard said: "Our thanks go to everyone who supported us, and following the success of the new format, arrangements will soon be put in place to organise the 67th Flower Show next year."