AFTER several years of trying, pub landlady Louise Race took top spot in the Staindrop Leek Club annual show.
Ms Race’s pot leeks totalled 119.49 cubic inches, putting her just ahead of Andy Guy’s 118.53, with Alan Bethray in third on 114.38.
She also took first prize in the intermediate leeks, ahead of David Hallimond in second and third placed Peter Farrell.
And completing an excellent competition, Ms Race, landlady of the village pub The Wheatsheaf, also took the prize for best leek in show.
“I’ve been a member of the leek club for quite a few years, but this is the first time I have won the trophies,” she said.
Ms Race said that due to the dry summer, much time had been spent ensuring her leeks received enough water.
Judging the leeks was Mac Dawson, from Consett.
In the flowers and veg section, a new prize for the heaviest onion went to Peter Brennan, whose entry topped the scales at 1,907 grams.
Best flower in show was produced by Dorothy Brennan – a gladiolus stem with apricot coloured flowers.
The trophy for most points in flowers and veg went to Alan Bethray (39) with Bill Scaife second on 32 and Peter Brennan third on 29.
Marion Rodham took first place in the open classes for non-members with her sweet peas.
The auction which followed the show raised almost £250 for charity.
Leek club secretary Sheila Wylie said new members could join the club, at the Wheatsheaf Inn, until the end of September.
“Thanks to the landlady Louise Race and the staff for hosting the show; the club committee for another year’s dedicated work; members and friends who work hard to stage the show and run the weekend’s activities; auctioneer Colin Butler and all who bought the produce,” added Ms Wylie.
