THE undefeated champion of Bishampton's annual Summer Show is throwing down the gauntlet to encourage more people to enter.

For most of the past 12 years Pete Chamberlain has swept the board with his displays of flowers, fruit and vegetables, totting up the most points to win the champion’s cup.

He’s even won the odd prize or two for his skills in floristry and photography.

But now just a week before this year's event, taking place on Saturday, August 16, Mr Chamberlain, who is chairman of Bishampton and District Gardening Club, has decided that it’s time for a change.

He said: “We’ve got 72 classes which people can enter, including photography, baking, wine making, crafts and painting, so there really is no excuse not to have a go. We’ve even given a gingerbread recipe for one of the cake categories.

“And we’re encouraging youngsters to get involved too with even more categories including a face made from fruit or vegetables, and a miniature scarecrow.”

Entries for the children’s classes which are free should be notified to Mr Chamberlain on 01386 861438 by Friday (August 8).

Entries for pots and hanging baskets will be judged in situ on Saturday, (August 9) by committee members, so early advice on entries should be made as soon as possible.

Other entries will be accepted on Thursday (August 14) at the villages hall between 6pm and 8pm at 20p per entry.

A copy of the show schedule is available from the Villages Stores, or on the club website at bishamptongardeningclub.org.uk, or by emailing info@bishamptongardeningclub.org.uk.