HORTICULTURAL enthusiasts flocked to Vivary Park by the thousands yesterday to soak up the colourful atmosphere at the event dubbed the 'Chelsea of the West'.

Celebrating its 140th year, the highly renowned Taunton Flower Show, continuing today, has seen the highest number of visitors pass through its gates.

Organised by the Taunton Deane Horticultural and Floricultural Society the show continues to attract a variety of traders and exhibitors from all over the district.

This year, celebrities Julian Dowle, 11 times Chelsea gold medal winner and Chris Beardshaw, the flying gardener, are attending the prestigious event, signing books and giving handy hints.

Yesterday marketing director Adrian Prior-Sankey told the Gazette: "Partly because of the Salvation Army's booking of Chris Beardshaw, we know that the tickets were flying out of the tourist information office. We think this year we have over 20,000 people coming to the show. Last year we had just over 15,000 people.

"We remain at heart a flower show but we are a show for all ages and we are absolutely focused on young people."

Chairman Bob Homeshaw, said: "It is superb and the most important thing is the weather - it is not too hot or too cold. It really is perfect."

Run completely by volunteers, the event has been made possible thanks to the dedication and love of all things floral by both the organisers and the exhibitors.

The County Gazette team attended the event capturing some of the incredible floral creations and unusual displays and selling goody bags including a gardening gift supplied by Blackdown Gardening Centre, near Wellington.

New attractions this year include a rural craft area and several unusual arena events led by the special Household Troops Band of the Salvation Army.

President David Nicholson told the Gazette yesterday: "I am enjoying it enormously. I think the exhibitors and competitors have done brilliantly."

The award-winning Cotley Brewery, opened in 1979, returned this year as one of the trade stands as have the Somerset Bee Keepers.

One young horticulturalist Calum James has just completed his GCSEs at Bishop Fox's School but has found time to develop a thriving horticultural business which has filled the members' area with floral containers.

A special scarecrow competition was also set up for this year's show. "It seems to be a bit of a trend a the moment," said Mr Prior-Sankey. "The idea is that anyone of any age can enter it."

Continuing today, you still have time to visit the fantastic flower show and purchase exhibits, gardening tools and plants.