TROWEL queen Shirley Pitman is out in her garden in all weathers, loving her lilies, talking to tomatoes and fondling her fuchsias - which all paid off when she was declared overall winner at Shrewton flower show on Saturday. Mrs Pitman, whose achievement is all the more amazing because she underwent surgery last year to have a pacemaker fitted, walked off with the two most prestigious trophies among her five cups and countless 'firsts'.

She was awarded the Smith Challenge Cup for the most overall points and the RHS Banksia Medal for most wins in the horticultural classes, after entering a wheelbarrow full of entries - 46 floral, cooking and produce items.

But the win nearest her heart is the cup she won for best garden, awarded for her stunning garden in Rollestone Road, Shrewton, which it has always been her ambition to win.

"I couldn't have done it without my partner, Ray Mundy," said Mrs Pitman, a mum of two who is registered disabled.

"He has been such a help to me."

Villagers turned out in their hundreds to see the show, held as always in a giant marquee on the recreation ground, with stalls and attractions on the field, including the Shrewton Silver Band, car boot stalls and stalls run by local groups.

Showers did not dampen the day too much, although Shrewton and Till Valley Horticultural Society chairman Michael Knight reported that children's entries were down on last year, at 30, although the number of entries in adult classes was still around 80.

"But I would like to see 100 adult entries and 50 children's entries next year," said Mr Knight.