AN historic summer show has been held for the 80th time, featuring an array of horticultural delights.

Crowds of visitors enjoyed the Five Parishes Show in Fingringhoe near Colchester, admiring the floral displays and home grown fruit and vegetables in a traditional show marquee.

Organised by the Five Parishes Horticultural Society, covering Abberton, Langenhoe, Peldon and Great and Little Wigborough, the show dates back to 1926.

It was suspended during the Second World War and again in 2001 when an outbreak of foot and mouth prevented it from going ahead.

More than eight decades after it started, the show, which was held last Sunday at the Fingringhoe Ranges near Abberton, is still as popular as ever.

Alongside the more traditional stands, there were samba dancers, comedy stilt-walking, dog shows and kite flyers.

Organiser Sally Abbott said: “In the course of its history, an awful lot of time and effort has gone into organising the Five Parishes Show. There have been good years and not-so-good years, but on the whole, crowds from near and far have spilled through the gates to support us and enjoy a great day out.

“And, most importantly, the tradition of the horticultural-cum-country show has been kept well and truly alive!”