brings fun in the sun FUN in the sun was the name of the game last weekend at Bents Garden Centre's third annual garden party.

The event was a huge success, attracting hundreds of visitors to the Warrington Road nursery in Glazebury.

Hanging basket demonstrations, a plant clinic, potting competitions and a bird of prey display, plus jazz band music were featured in the busy weekend.

Event organiser Matthew Bent described this year's party as the best yet. He said: "There was so much energy from people having fun and the weather definitely helped. All in all, it was an enjoyable weekend."

One highlight of the day was the junior petunia competition, in which children from Bedford St Thomas's Primary School in Leigh took part alongside youngsters from Worsley's Bridgewater School. Prizes were awarded to those who grew the biggest Busy Lizzie plants within five weeks. There was also a most original planting prize, which attracted entries planted in anything from a rocket to a doll's pram.

Winners included Nicholas McCane, Stacey Gorman, Dominic Cartledge and Jackoby Bagley. First prize was a scooter, with second and third places taking home goody bags.