A NAIL-biting battle of the giants at Goostrey Gooseberry Show had three growers making a bid for the heaviest berry with only grains apart for the honour of the premier award.

The scales finally tipped in favour of last year's winner, chairman Peter Goode, with his Newton Wonder fruit of 28 pennyweights 22 grains, followed into a close second place by Emma Williams, the first woman champion five years ago, and in third place, veteran Terry Price.

Emma, the show society's secretary, produced a Jodrell White berry of 28.16 and Terry, the newly-elected president at his fifty-fourth show, was only whiskers behind with his Mr Chairman at 28.12.

Peter's son, Jamie, 10, also retained the title from last year as the top junior grower with a Belmarsh berry of 22.14 to win the David Garratt Memorial Trophy which was awarded for the first time this year by Kathy Garratt in memory of the late secretary, Dave Garratt.

One of the more recent growers, Griselda Garner, wife of world-famous author Alan Garner, who looks after the national gooseberry archive at the Blackden Trust, near Jodrell Bank, came fifth among the heaviest berries with a Just Betty variety at 26.21,

Griselda, who went on to pick up the John Egerton Cup for the heaviest red berry, a Blackden Gem weighing 25.23, was presented with the trophy by her novelist husband, who presided over the awards ceremony.

The event at the Crown Inn, Goostrey was one of the best attended in recent years with a record number of curious spectators who were kept up to date with the results via a large hi-tec computer monitor provided by member Dave Park, as well as an old-fashioned chart manned by non-showing member, Adrian Banks.

Emma Williams said it was generally agreed that it had been one of the best shows for some years and the effort to encourage more spectators had been very worthwhile.

"We made a special effort to get people to come to the show, and we had quite a few enquiries from people interested in getting involved," she said.

"Experienced members are only too happy to help them to get growing and showing if they live in the Goostrey area and contact us."

One of Goostrey's veterans,show treasurer Derek Hardacre, who won the J Walton Challenge Cup for the heaviest twins (Firbob 47.21) was delighted at the financial outcome, with more than £311 raised from a draw on the day as well as donations from sponsors towards the cost of staging next year's event.

"It costs quite a lot to put on and maintain the show and it would be impossible without the generosity of our sponsors and the many individuals who put their hands in their pocket to support a real village tradition that has continued for generations," he said.

Members Paul Chaisty and Dave Park are preparing to attempt in August and September the Wainwright coast to coast walk for Macmillan cancer support in memory of Dave Garratt, who died in November after a battle with cancer.

They hope to complete the 190-mile walk over two weeks from Saturday, August 29.

An appeal for sponsors is on their webpage http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/teamDaveGarrattMemorialWalk or text DGMW48 with donations to 70070