MORE than 68,000 people poured through the gates of the Three Counties Showground for the Malvern Autumn Show, making it a record-breaking weekend in more ways than one.

New world records were set in the CANNA UK National Giant

Vegetables Championship, with keen growers from all over the UK breaking the previous records for the heaviest celery, aubergine, bell pepper, red cabbage and leek.

With a fresh look and layout, regular visitors were delighted with the new sections that brought something for everyone to enjoy.

A particularly popular addition this year was the Top Dogs Arena hosted by former Blue Peter presenter Peter Purves, showcasing the ability and agility of man’s best friend.

A bumper crop of horticultural experts including Gardeners’ World presenters Joe Swift, Carol Klein and Alys Fowler shared their gardening know-how in the Autumn Potager Theatre.

The show also hosted the last major RHS flower show of the season in a

brand new floral marquee at the heart of the new gardening village. Fifty three award-winning nurseries showcased a dazzling array of plants, shrubs and produce, with 25 receiving RHS gold medals.

Head of show Diana Walton said: “This is my second year of leading Malvern Autumn Show and I wanted to refresh things to make it feel like an exciting new show.

"We love this event as much as our visitors, so I’m thrilled the new additions and layout have been so well received.

"The whole show has been supersized, from visitor numbers to giant vegetables and we’re already excited about our plans for next year.”