A keen gardener, retired Alec Beck has been taking part in local shows for about a decade.

But the 2017 has proven one of his best, winning top prizes for his dahlias at both Thursby and Dalston.

Alec, 67, clinched first prize at last weekend's Thursby Village Show in both the 'three dahlias' and 'vase of cut flowers' categories.

"I was chuffed. The dahlias are probably the best I've ever grown," he said, having also won with them at Dalston Show.

Alec said he had no real secret, just hard work and commitment.

"I'm not sure why, a combination of good preparation and some good luck I think," he said.

"The weather hasn't been great. I haven't got a polytunnel as such so I have to do what I can and hope for the best."

Alec also clinched first prize for his vegetables, winning the 'collection of four vegetables' category.

He also came second in several classes, for his gladioli, sweet peas, onion, parsnips and leeks.

Alec's wife Janice also picked up several prizes for her baking and preserves.

Alec said they like to support their local show, getting up at 5am on the morning of the event to prepare.

"It was a good show. It's a medium sized village show and one of the ones that's still standing. A lot of others have been going under but in Thurby we are still pretty strong," he said.

"I've been showing there for the past 10 years."

Saturday's show, at Thursby Village Hall, combined flowers, vegetables, handicrafts, baking and a children's section.

Peg Eastwood, treasurer, said: "The exhibitions are of a very high standard. Numbers were slightly down on last year, but quality wasn't. The judges were very impressed. There was a good range of entries right across the board."

She thanked Thursby School for encouraging pupils to put their entries in ahead of the summer holidays, boosting the children's section.

"They school are fantastic. The community really does appreciate what they do to support the show," she said.

Not all entries in the children's section were from the school, with many local families also getting involved.

Mrs Eastwood said they had a lot of people coming to see the exhibits throughout the afternoon.

"It was a good show. There were a lot of people from the village and some from further afield," she added.

"We always serve a lovely selection of homemade baking and have good raffle prizes, so it is a good event.

"All age groups take part, right across the classes."

Trophies were presented by Andy and Joan Kelly.

Show committee chairman, Eileen Wilson, thanked all supporters, exhibitors and helpers.

The event received sponsorship from local businesses, namely Innovia Films, The Mango Tree, The Blast Shop, Carrs Flour Mills and Echo Hairdressers.