The search is over for Britain's tastiest tomato after experts and enthusiasts ticked their taste buds at West Dean Gardens.
Visitors flocked to dozens of stalls selling an array of produce such as cider, fine cheeses, wines, jams, pickles and sauces at the Totally Tomato show on Saturday.
But the highlight of the weekend was the tastiest tomato competition.
Judges selected Paul Howlett with his 'Apero' red cherry tomato as the winner of the first prize and the Summerton Cup, named after gardener and enthusiast Len Summerton.
The cup was accepted on Mr Howlett's behalf by Kieran Devine, who scooped third prize with his entry 'Sweetie', a red cherry tomato.
Second prize went to professional grower Ben Smith with 'Organic Piccolo', a red cherry tomato generally sold on the vine.
The runners-up received engraved plaques.
There were 28 entries. Eighteen were commercial entries and the remainder were amateur entries.
"Naturally we were pleased with the results,' said Gerry Hayman of the Tomato Growers' Association.
"This summer must have been about the worst ever to grow tomatoes outside in the garden.
"It does prove that growing our crops in glasshouses as we do, we can produce a fantastic product, consistently and reliably, pretty much whatever the weather throws at us.
"When we attend shows we are told by the public tomatoes don't taste like they used to, but we actually think ours taste better and they are available if you look for the British label.
"The problem is four out of five tomatoes now sold in this country are imported, a message the politicians might take on board when they bang on about the environmental benefits of importing food."
Tomato buffs stood four-deep at the Tomato Growers' Association tasting tables, and visitors came from as far afield as Lancashire, Norfolk, Isle of Wight, Cornwall and Glasgow.
What do you think? Click here to send a letter or leave a comment below.
Click here to go back to Chichester news
Click here to go back to Bognor Regis news
Click here to go back to Midhurst and Petworth news
To tell us where in the world you are reading this story click on the link below to add yourself to our readers' map.
MAP
