ANOTHER first proved an equally popular contest with 18 entries for the first Best Bridport Banger judged by family butcher Richard Balson at this year's Melplash Show.

He voted West Moor Fine Foods the tops, with Maydown Farm second.

The Seafood Chowder sponsored and judged by Riverside Restaurant’s Arthur Watson voted Mrs S Anderson winner, followed by Linda Pyke and Sue Stones.

The Curry Competition sponsored and judged by Taj Mahal Restaurant and Seaspring Seeds was won by Bernie Jones, pictured right with Helen and Rafique Choudhury, with Anita Jones placed second and Vicki Wren third.

And top honours went to Leakers Bakery who took home the Sandwich Plate donated by last year’s president Lady Sandwich and given to what is judged as the best local food at the show.

This is Dan Newman’s second and final year as chairman and he said it had been an honour.

He said: “It has been an honour to be chairman of Melplash Agricultural Society for the last two years. The show continues to develop while maintaining its unique identity as a showcase for farming, equine and rural crafts.

“We are so fortunate to have such a good team of people who help and support the show. “Congratulations to all those who contributed.”

And president Cleeves Palmer also paid tribute to the tremendous effort made by the show team.

He said: “It was a tremendous privilege to be this year’s president, so many people worked so hard.

“The weather was superb, the British summer at its best.

“Thank you to all those who visited the show, who entered classes, brought trade stands and, of course, all sponsors.”