FROM simple foliage displays to towering cascades of colour. Sturminster Newton Floral Group's annual show featured them all.

And judging by the number of visitors calling in to Sturminster Hall, there was plenty of appreciation for the decorative displays.

The Group puts on a show every May and this year chose the theme of Fifty Golden Years to reflect the jubilee celebrations.

Show secretary Norma Chenery said: "It's an annual event to promote our club. It's something everyone looks forward to and other clubs in the area come and join us so we have members from Shaftesbury, Gillingham, Marnhull and Child Okeford here as well. Members are given just six hours to produce their displays before they are judged. Many enter into several categories so they have their work cut out but we have some very talented ladies."

Among this year's winners was Sally Gillam who walked away with several prizes including Best In Show.

She said: "I joined the club five years ago and now I'm hooked - I love it.

"Flower arranging involves hours of research to interpret the title or theme. I end up having sleepless nights and doing lots of reading to come up with ideas for doing the arrangement.

"This year we also had difficulty because of the Bank Holiday which meant we could not buy the flowers the day before like we usually do and our florist had to get up at 4am on Tuesday to make the purchases for us."

The club meets on the second Wednesday of every Wednesday in Sturminster Hall at 7.15pm. New members always welcome.