A ONE-hundred-year-old flower and vegetable show is wilting and set to bloom for the last time this summer for lack of new blood.

Organisers of the Stourport Horticultural Society Show on August 26-27 at Riverside Meadows say it will probably be the last because there are not enough supporters to run another next year.

The committee once numbering more than 30 in its heyday has been whittled down to just half a dozen. Most are of retirement age and find it difficult to cope with the heavy work.

Secretary Angela Phillips, who first joined the committee in 1977 with husband Gary who is now chairman, said: "It used to be such fun when there was plenty of us doing the work but helpers have been falling away for years.

"I am 41 and the youngest on the committee now and we are just getting too tired.

"If only people would come forward just for an hour to offer to man the gate or help with the tea tent it would make all the difference.

"This year my husband will be up all night on security duty before the show and then at the show all day and it is getting too much. We need young blood but young people do not seem interested in gardening these days."

She added: "It is a shame because there were a reasonable number of flowers and vegetables entered last year although that always depends on the weather."

President Michael Ecob said the show "could be the last" but it was hoped gardeners would rally round to give the society a future.

He hoped to encourage exhibitors this year by offering two trophies for beginners along with a number of other trophies for adults and youngsters under 14.