GARDENERS gathered in a remote corner of the North York Moors for the country’s oldest celebration of the humble gooseberry.

The Egton Bridge Gooseberry Show has been held every year since 1800 – and its popularity shows no sign of waning.

This year they gathered at St Hedda’s School with a good crowd turning out to see the results of the enthusiasts’ labours.

The secretary of the Egton Bridge Old Gooseberry Society, Ian Woodcock said: “Weather conditions this year have been far from favourable and there were the usual tales of potential winners that burst, future record holders eaten by mice and even a crow inside a gooseberry pen causing havoc.

“In the end, the turnout of berries was splendid and competition commenced in earnest.”

The 2017 show became a tale of two growers, in one corner the seven-time defending champion, Graeme Watson of Ainthorpe and facing him a maiden grower, Trevor Legg of Roxby.

Mr Watson took early honours, becoming an eight-time champion, with five in a row, by winning the Harland Trophy for heaviest berry.

Mr Legg took the maiden prize with the third heaviest berry and his consistency across all categories mean he claimed his first Champion Grower title, and the W Graham Challenge Cup.

The 2018 show will be held on the first Tuesday in August and anybody interested in joining the oldest gooseberry society in the world should contact enquiries@egtongooseberryshow.org.uk