THE number of people wanting to showcase their talents at the UK’s oldest, longest running flower show has beaten the record number of entries set last year.

Organisers of Taunton Flower Show, which runs in Vivary Park tomorrow (Friday, August 1) and Saturday, have received a bumper crop of 2,450 entries - compared to 2,153 last year.

There are 563 competitors (35 up on 2013) ranging in ages from one to 100.

Competitions director Ian Coleby has had his work cut out preparing hundreds of labels for each entry but welcomes the challenge.

He said: "This is great news.

"The good growing weather and the increasing popularity of the show have combined to break last year’s record number of competition entries. We have had a 13% increase."

Most of the increase has been in the horticultural classes but the cookery is proving popular as well with 31 Victoria sponges and 21 tea breads to be tasted.

The children’s competitions are also attracting new faces.

The judges of the young people's section will have 66 collages to consider as they begin their task at 7am tomorrow.

Experts who oversee the ever popular event have had to enlarge the marquee to showcase the talents of so many gifted gardeners and craft creators.

There are 312 classes available for competition entrants, including 43 children's categories, sharing nearly £5,000 in prize money along with the distinction of gold, silver or bronze awards, many judged to have attained an RHS standard. 52 cups and trophies are hotly contested.