MASSIVE marrows, oversized onions and colossal carrots proved competition is growing at an annual Louth garden show.

Green-fingered members of the community put their prized plants to the test at the 23rd Louth And District Garden Society Show, which this year included a new baking section.

Growers from far and wide travelled to Monks Dyke Technology College in Monks Dyke Road to have their vegetables, flowers and baked goods judged by a panel of experts.

Show secretary Dave Fairburn said the event is dedicated to promoting local, home-grown produce.

He said: "It is an event that still captures people's imagination after all these years.

"It is a credit to the people who travel from far and wide to take part that we are still going strong today."

The 62-year-old reigning Lincolnshire Potato Champion arrived on the judging floor at the crack of dawn to check out the competition for his crown – insisting that a little bit of good-natured rivalry is good for the event.

Mr Fairburn said: "I welcome the competition. It is what makes the show what it is.

"Unfortunately, this year we are seeing fewer quality entries due to the hot dry weather.

"The common misconception about the event is that it is all about size, and while that might be true for the marrow weighing competition, for the rest it is much more about shape and quality of the produce."

This year's show – which involved more than 60 people, encouraged youngsters to take part by growing plants for a junior event.

Bob Ambrose, 67, of Holton-le-Clay, took a trip to Louth to see what was on show.

He said: "I'm a bit of an amateur grower myself although most of my veg wouldn't hold a candle to some of the whoppers on show at the competition. Next year, I'm determined to enter some of my prized potatoes."

Competition winners included Frank Bolsover, of Gainsborough, who was awarded top prize in the flower section for his display of dahlias, while George Coxen won the Allison And Wilcox Shield for his fine selection of tomatoes.

Colin Bray won the award for the heaviest marrow with a 4st whopper.