The long dry had made orchid growing difficult this year but that didn't stop a bumper entry of around 280 plants - about 40 up on last year - being entered by green thumbs from as far afield as Woodburn and Newcastle and all points inbetween.

Officials Peter King and Gary and Tracey Suter - the latter paid from Valla Beach - were delighted with the turnout at the show which ironically was held in a church hall as the long awaited rains finally arrived.

Good crowds - buoyed by the nearby markets and jazz festival - milled about the trestle tables groaning from the weight of the striking blooms.

Some of the finer examples were festooned with champions ribbons, while there was also a good selection of orchids for sale to the general public.

The ladies in the canteen were kept busy serving coffees and slice, and this year there wasn't even a hint of controversy, like some desperate grower super-gluing petals in place.

"When people are learning how to judge that's one of the first things they are shown - how to spot super glue," Tracey laughed.

We hope you enjoy the image gallery taken from the show this morning.