GEMMA Moore rose to the occasion at Ramsbottom Horticultural Society's summer show when a committee member fell ill.

The annual event at Ramsbottom Civic Hall on Bank Holiday Monday went ahead in all its colourful glory under the direction of the Ramsbottom youngster as show manager.

But Gemma was no novice when it came to organising.

Show secretary, Mr Keith McCarren said: "Gemma was assistant show manager last year. On Monday she did an excellent job."

Although the number of exhibitors and exhibits at the show were slightly down on last year, Mr McCarren, who won a prize for the best biscuits, said: "The nice weather on Bank Holiday Monday brought lots of visitors.

"We had a number of new faces and more entries in the junior classes, which was always good."

He added: "The standard of exhibits throughout the show was also higher than last year. The roses and dahlias were exceptional this year."

The Mayor and Mayoress of Bury, Councillor Barry Briggs and his wife Sharon, presented the awards.