More than 5,000 people flocked to the recreation ground in Claygate on Saturday, July 17, to enjoy a day in the sun at the 107th Claygate Flower and Village Show.

The flower competition, which featured about 1,500 entries, was opened by mayor of Elmbridge, Councillor Barry Cheyne, who inspected the 70m long display.

There were also gift and book stalls raising money for charity, a vintage car display, an animal petting zoo, a Punch and Judy show, fairground rides and a barbecue.

Crowds at the event were entertained by performances from the Claygate Scout and Guide Band and a martial arts demonstration from the local Kuk Sool Won school and there was a raffle with cash prizes totalling £500.

Leslie Banks, chairman of the organising committee, said: “A great attraction in the showground was a nature area that included beautiful rescued owls, which were marvelled at and stroked by children and adults alike, a glass section beehive complete with honey bees and their queen, a wide selection of petting farmyard animals and a presentation by the RSPB on wild bird preservation.

“The presentation of cups and prizes for the flower show at the end of the afternoon was delayed for the first time ever - so many people had accepted the invitation of the two performing morris dancing groups to join them dancing in the main arena, and no-one wanted to stop. It was, indeed, wonderful to witness this spontaneous spectacle of people of all ages dancing for joy.

“We are still taking stock of the results, but we know that we had a magnificent turnout in every respect. It is particularly pleasing that the number of entries to the flower show by children in the junior competition section gets bigger and bigger every year. They account for over a third of the total.

“I am enormously proud of the members of the organising committee. They have worked so hard throughout the year and have given their total commitment once again to making this annual event such a resounding success for the local community.”