Gill and John Hazell, from Clutton, are thrilled to have scooped top prizes at the National Sweet Pea Championships.

The couple spent time selecting the cream of their sweet pea crop before travelling down to Christchurch, near Bournemouth, for the competition.

Exhibitors from all over the country, including Sussex, the Isle of Wight, Derbyshire and southern Scotland joined Mr and Mrs Hazell in working through the night to set up their exhibits.

But the hard work proved worth it when after the judging the next day, they discovered they had won the prestigious nine-vase Sutton class as well as scooping two first prizes and two second prizes in single-vase classes.

They were presented with a crystal silver glass decanter which is now in pride of place on their sideboard.