Wem Sweet Pea Show pulls in thousands - in pictures

Thousands of people turned out for this year’s annual sweet pea show in Wem.

The Wem Sweet Pea Show commemorates the life of hybridist Henry Eckford, who developed the sweet pea while living in the town.

The 24th annual event took place at the Stanier Hall in the grounds of the Thomas Adams School on Saturday and Sunday.

• See more pictures in our gallery to your right

The link dates back to 1888 when Mr Eckford moved to Wem where he continued his work with sweet peas and also started what was to become a seeds business famous throughout the world.

The event featured 84 competitive classes including formal vases, bowls, baskets, floral art, and children’s section.

There was also a display of the history of Wem in photographs, cuttings and memorabilia in St Peter & St Paul Parish Church. The display also included the Eckford family history.

The National Sweet Pea Society, which was founded in 1900, aims to increase people’s knowledge of sweet peas and improve cultivation.

Last month The Eckford Sweet Pea Society enjoyed success when it won three awards at the 2012 Arley Garden Festival.

The team from Wem staged a 12ft by 6ft display and won the gold award, the Lady Ashbrook Award and a special award of The English Garden book.