Nearly 16,000 visitors graced the lawns of Stansted Park to shop, browse or gain advice from gardening experts.

This year's event, which had a new layout involving a food court, was hailed as the most successful yet by organisers, who were relieved to miss out on the rainfall which fell over the country.

Lizzie Dymock said: "It went really well. We were worried about the weather because it was raining over the rest of England.

"We got 500 more people than last year, which is great in this climate. The stands were very happy, no complaints at all, everybody did quite well. It was much more positive that last year.

"The new food court was absolutely stacked up with people who were buying organic baps and that sort of thing.

"There was such a lovely atmosphere, everybody felt supported. I think it was one of our best yet, the new layout really worked well.

"It is a community rooted show, I think that's quite important. I don't know many other shows like us."