MEMBERS of Northallerton Working Men's Club had a successful day at their 20th annual Leek Show.

First prize went to Bernard Quinn, a member of the Leek Club and full-time joiner from Stable Cottages, Little Langton. He won £1,450 and was presented with a crystal bowl.

He said: "I was quite surprised to win, but obviously very pleased. I also won the £100 prize for best leek, so it was a good day."

Second prize of £1,300 and a crystal vase went to Mark Pearson and third prize went to the chairman of the Leek Club, Tony Chapman.

Mr Chapman was also presented with a crystal vase and £1,170 prize money.

He said: "I was overwhelmed, I didn't expect to be anywhere near third. I am pleased, especially because of all the hard work that goes into it.

"I think it's good that the top three places were given to people who have only been entering their leeks for a relatively short time. This is my fourth year, Bernard Quinn has entered his leeks for the last three years and its only the second time for Mark Pearson."

He said: "The show ended with a fabulous evening, topped off by giving the cheque to charity."

The Leek Club donated £844 to a surgical day unit at the Friarage Hospital.

The money, which included the proceeds from bingo and sale of the leeks, will help funds for a new diathermy machine in the endoscopy suite.

Staff nurse, Julie Robertson, was presented with the cheque in the evening.

She said: "It was wonderful, the donation is really appreciated.

"We were surprised it was as much as it was - even the bar staff donated their evening's tips to the hospital."