HOT weather played havoc with the exhibits at Felixstowe's annual flower and produce show – both before and during the event.Gardeners had faced a mixed growing season and had to work extremely hard over the past few days as the heat took its toll on some plants.

HOT weather played havoc with the exhibits at Felixstowe's annual flower and produce show – both before and during the event.

Gardeners had faced a mixed growing season and had to work extremely hard over the past few days as the heat took its toll on some plants.

Judges were impressed though by the quality of the exhibits at the two-day Felixstowe and District Horticultural Society show at the resort's seafront leisure centre, but found there were some they could not mark.

Society president Cliff Rose said the heat in the main hall at the leisure centre had caused some of the jams and lemon curds to separate.

"Even with all the doors open the hall was hot – it's just such a very hot day. The judges could not mark the items because they were not fit," he said.

There were more than 450 entries at the show, about the same as last year, in 179 classes for cut flowers, vegetables, fruit, roses, pot plants, floral decoration, household, handicraft and art.

"The judges felt the quality was very good and they were impressed. Unfortunately, we had very few roses because of the dry weather, which was disappointing, but the fuchsias were excellent," said Mr Rose.

"Felixstowe is a difficult area in which to garden because it is so dry and has its own micro-climate – which is good for a holiday resort, so we shouldn't complain!"

The show also featured trade stands and there were a variety of experts on hand to answer and discuss any gardening problems.

Prizes:

Fison's Cup (most points in show): L Chambers. Carnival Cup (best exhibit in show): M Barber. Goose Cup (most points in novice classes): D Carpenter. Felixstowe Times Cup (most points in vegetables): L Chambers. Felixstowe Dock and Railway Cup (best exhibit in vegetables): L Chambers. Garden News Top Tray, Gold Medal: L Chambers. Victoria Cup (most points in fruit): L Chambers. Frans Maas Cup (best exhibit in fruit): L Chambers. Hill Rose Bowl (most points in cut flowers): Mrs A Chambers. McCarter Cup (best exhibit in cut flowers): L Chambers. Garden News Top Vase Gold medal: Mrs A Chambers. Icelandic Cup (best exhibit of Iceland poppies): Mrs E Gedge. National Sweet Pea Society Bronze Medal: C Rose. Anne Louise Cup (most points in roses): Miss P Comer. Burlington Florist Trophy (best exhibit in roses): Miss P Comer. National Rose Society Bronze Medal Award: Mrs P Comer. Member's Cup (most points in pot plants): M Barber. Comer Cup (best exhibit in pot plants): M Barber. Founder's Cup (most points in floral decoration): Mrs D Harold. Heather Manning Cup (best exhibit in floral decoration): Mrs D Harold. Midland Bank Cup (most points in household): Mrs S Craighill. Vision Travel Cup (best exhibit classes 121-129): Mrs S Craighill. Meehan Cup (best exhibit in classes 130-138): Mrs S Craighill. Emery Shield (most points in handicraft and art): D Carpenter. Radio Orwell Shield (best exhibit in handicraft and art): Mrs D Harold. John Howard Cup (best exhibit by junior aged 4-6 years): Will Jewkes. Wright Cup (best exhibit by junior aged 6-8 years): Lucy Stevens. Homebase Cup (best exhibit junior 8-11 years): Sophie Steel.