Shrewsbury flower show looks for good weather boost

Organisers said visitor numbers are up this year

A major horticultural show in Shropshire is hoping the better summer weather will boost visitor numbers.

Brian Goodwin, an organiser at Shrewsbury flower show, said: "Many other shows throughout the country have either been severely curtailed or cancelled."

He said recent bad weather meant exhibitors had faced "great challenges" getting ready in time.

The show is celebrating its 125th anniversary.

Mr Goodwin, who chairs the Shropshire Horticultural Society, said the show, which costs £850,000 to stage, is a "big boost" to the Shropshire economy.

One exhibitor, Jill Rock, from Dingle Nurseries, said the wet start to the summer had already hit her business.

"I think people haven't even been out in their gardens because it's was so horrible for so many months."

Mr Goodwin said a successful show had other benefits to the local community.

"Last autumn we gave £150,000 to a local church for the restoration of their tower and at the other extreme we support many village shows and horticultural shows that wouldn't be able to exist without our modest help," he said.