FORMER Blue Circle cement worker Jimmy Readman carried on his winning ways at Weardale leek shows at the weekend by picking up first prize in the Blue Bell show at St John's Chapel.

Mr Readman, from Westgate, who has been a winner at most dale shows over the years, produced a pair of leeks measuring 163.94 cubic inches. Second was George Allinson, from St John's Chapel, with 143.89 cubic inches, and third was Gordon Scott, also St John's Chapel, with 125.67 cubic inches.

Other winners: Vegetables - Keith Heppell, Stanhope; best vegetables, with pair of onions, Jimmy Readman; flowers - Brian Robson, Stanhope; home produce - Wendy Peart.

Housewife Joan Greasley showed a pair of leeks measuring 219.04 cubic inches to take first place at the Black Bull show in Wolsingham.

Second was John Percival with 165.43 cubic inches and third was Harry Sanderson with 159.45 cubic inches.

Other results: Best vegetables and heaviest onion at 7lbs 1.5oz, D Thompson; best flowers, F. Charlton; heaviest radish at 11lbs, H Sanderson.