RECORD crowds flocked to Portishead Flower Show and Country Fair in bright sunshine over the weekend.

RECORD crowds flocked to Portishead Flower Show and Country Fair in bright sunshine over the weekend.

The show, which is the highlight of the town’s gardening calendar, saw almost 2,000 entries in 400 different categories.

Items ranged from flowers, fruit and vegetables to cookery, homemade wines, artwork and handicrafts.

BBC weather girl Jemma Cooper stepped in to open the show at the last minute on Friday after the natural history TV presenter Charlotte Uhlenbroek missed a flight from Barcelona and had to send her apologies.

Reverend Sharon Crossman gave a blessing as part of the official opening ceremony and flower princess attendant Skye Fowler, aged eight, presented Jemma with a bouquet.

The Clevedon Road show field was packed with activities. As live jazz music filled the air, children’s races proved a popular pastime.

A rock climbing wall challenged the skills of both adults and children, with ferret racing and a dog display team adding to the fun.

Show committee vice chairman John Tovey said: “This is a community event that has something for everyone and this year it was supported more than ever.

“We are grateful that the people of Portishead continue to come along each year to enjoy the variety of this show.”

The annual event, organised by Portishead and District Horticultural Society, has been running for 147 years.