A WEEKEND of spud-based events proved a smash hit at the 15th annual Hampshire Potato Days held on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 January.

The two-day festival hosted at the Testbourne Community Centre in Micheldever Road in Whitchurch attracted big crowds of potato lovers once again.

There was also the largest number of seed potatoes available in one place for amateur growers in the world, as well as talks on history, modern methods and which potato varieties to choose.

Organiser Phil Cooper said: “The sudden improvement in the weather meant that around 1,400 visitors were able to get to the 15th Potato Days from all over the south of England.

“The slightly reduced numbers meant that there was more time and space for them to enjoy all that we had to offer at Testbourne and in Whitchurch, where many went as part of their visit.

“As organiser I owe a huge debt of gratitude to the members of Hampshire Organic Gardening Group, the Friends of Whitchurch Primary School and the folk from Whitchurch who helped on the day and made it all possible.”