THE pumpkins are being nurtured and the sunflowers are being measured, as final preparation are made for this year’s Soham Pumpkin Fair.

The fair takes place on Saturday September 24 - and the theme for this 37th fair is “Celebrating British Food.”

There will be cookery displays using pumpkins, and a variety of food stalls at the fair on the recreation ground, alongside morris dancers, ferret racing, bygones and vintage vehicles.

Arena events will include a visit by “Mr Pumpkin,” and displays by Soham Fenlander Majorettes, Soham primary schools, and Soham Classic Vehicle Club.

To encourage children to take part in the show, a pumpkin seed and a sunflower seed have been distributed to every child attending Soham primary schools and play groups.

Money raised from the event will go to three local organisations, Soham guide and scout hut fund; Soham over Sixties Club; and Soham Community Support Scheme.

The fair opens at 1.30pm, but all entries must be taken to the recreation ground for judging, between 9.30am and 11.30am.

In the pumpkin competition, there are a number of classes for both local children and non resident youngsters, with cups and cash prizes on offer. In the adult competition, judges will be looking for the heaviest pumpkin grown by Soham residents and non-residents; and there is a competition to find the heaviest pumpkin grown in East Anglia.

Judges will award prizes for the biggest and tallest sunflowers grown by children and adults; and there are competitions to find the heaviest marrow, mangel, tomato, onion and sugar beet, and the longest runner beans.

Admission prices to the fair are; Adults, �2; Children 12-18 and OAP’s, �1; under 12’s, free.

Anyone wanting more information about the fair can contact the committee through their website: www.pumpkinfair.co.uk