FIFTY years ago village shows were an important part of the annual calendar and eagerly awaited by gardening rivals.

These days, entrants in the Weston-on-the-Green autumn show near Bicester may not be as competitive as their predecessors, but the pride in their home-grown produce is just the same.

On Saturday the doors at the village hall opened once again, and this year Weston-on-the-Green Garden Club’s show marked a special anniversary — 50 years.

There were more than 300 entries across a host of categories, including crafts, photographs, jams and home-grown fruit and vegetables.

Chairman of the garden club Emma Bernard said: “It was started in 1963 by a group of villagers – it was very competitive in those days.

“It was a huge event and there were also points awarded between villages. “We have a lot of silverware and cups that have been donated over the years.

“Now I would say that a healthy level of pride is taken in Weston’s show rather than ruthless competitiveness that perhaps existed in the early years of the show.

“Unfortunately there are not many shows like this left so it’s quite remarkable it has kept going all these years.”