Over 5,000 flocked to Claygate for a bumper edition of the annual Flower and Village Show on Saturday (July 13).

The picturesque village has hosted the show every year (in peacetime) since it was established by Lord Foley in 1903.

This year's iteration was opened by the Mayor of Elmbridge Mary Sheldon, who cut a ceremonial sash placed across the massive exhibition marquee where many of the incredible and colourful flower displays were placed.

Surrey Comet: Image: Gary StateImage: Gary State

As usual, the stunning flower shows took centre stage, offering explosions of colour in over 1,000 different exhibits.

Meanwhile, a host of other activities and attractions kept the thousands of visitors occupied under the summer sun.

Companion dog shows, martial arts displays, running races and a fun fair enthralled families, while vintage car shows, a tug of war competition and a popular prosecco and gin tent offered more grown-up delights for the adult attendees.

Surrey Comet: Image: Gary StateImage: Gary State

Towards the end of the afternoon the Show's 2019 President, John Baldwin, presented cups and trophies to the many adult and junior prize winners.

Mr Baldwin said that he was "very pleased by the high quality of exhibits and...especially the high number of non-village visitors," which he "hoped would return next year."

Cllr Sheldon for her part said that she "particularly enjoyed the junior exhibits and watching the Fancy Dress Parade, which was brilliantly compered."

Organisers told the Comet that the success of this year's Show was particularly fitting because 2019 will see the retirement of both the chairman and secretary — respectively, Barry and Bonnie Fitzpatrick — a husband and wife team who have successfully led the organising committee for a decade.

Surrey Comet: Image: Gary StateImage: Gary State