Because St Mary's Community Hall was a blaze of colour and riot of glorious flowers and vegetables, to make it a country show to remember.

Many dozens of visitors went along to admire more than 730 entries in more than 100 classes – achieving last year's record showing. And while there may have been a few less flowers in the floral classes, every other section made up for it – from perfect plants to pedigree potatoes, huge exhibition onions to exquisite flower arrangements. The baking section had a huge increase of entries this year, and the handicrafts, eggs, wine, photos and children's classes were all well supported.

Full results in today's Clitheroe Advertiser & Times

Mayor and Mayoress of the Ribble Valley Coun. John and Philippa Hill were among the many visitors and the show was opened by vice-president Mr Peter Harper who recalled a life-long connection with the event from visiting as a child with his parents and grandparents. He presented the prizes and his wife, Pauline, was presented with a bouquet of flowers by Aaron Whalley.

The gong of the day went to the village's prizewinning partnership of Alun Parfitt and John Hartley who took the main trophy for most points in show, the coveted Alan Green silver rosebowl, for the 11th time in the past 14 years. The friends have been sharing an allotment and garden since 1975 to grow their prize produce and this year issued a challenge to younger gardeners to give them a run for their money in 2009.

"We're happy we've done it for another year, they may put our names on the cup now!" said Mr Parfitt.

Another top prizewinner, Mr James Devaney from Grindleton, has been exhibiting at Sabden since the mid-70s and said it was a wonderful show. "I love coming here, it is always a good show" he said.