A MUCH acclaimed gooseberry grower is celebrating after winning first prize plus three other trophies in his debut appearance at Peover.

Jim Hart, from Knutsford, was crowned victor at the annual Crown of Peover Gooseberry Show on Sunday, July 31.

Although Jim has won a first prize on many occasions, it has always been with the Allostock Gooseberry Show which is now held at the Duncow in Ollerton.

Jim joined the show in March this year and produced a yellow berry of the Millenium variety weighing in at 30 pennyweights and 2 grains.

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Jim won a magnificent new premier berry trophy kindly donated by The Haworth family of Lower Peover.

Mark Haworth was on hand to present the trophy at the prize winning ceremony.

Jim also won the Jim Lander Cup for heaviest twins, the John Hamilton trophy for most points gained in the show and the HP Bulmer trophy for heaviest woodpecker variety in the show.

Previous show winner Keith Tickle came second in the premier berry class and received the Bert and Lesley Flint trophy.

It was a hat trick for Keith as he also won the Whitbread trophy for heaviest plate of 12 berries and the Sam Cragg rose bowl for heaviest Edith Cavell Plate.

Show secretary Mike Godfrey said: “The Crown of Peover show is going through a surge in popularity at the moment with membership now on 18 growers.

“It is expected to increase to 20 members at least next year.

Six of our members are lady growers who are a very welcome addition into the show.

“Just a few years ago, the shows in Cheshire were usually male dominated but we have seen a recent increase in membership from the ladies.”