The annual Cabbage Sunday auction held in a marquee in the grounds of the New Inn at Winterbourne Monkton proved to be a huge success, despite a poor summer for growing produce.

Held on Sunday September 30, it raised £920, which is being shared between Avebury and District Over 60s Club, Wiltshire Blind Association and the Prospect Hospice.

Cabbage Sunday has been taking place for as long as anyone can remember and originally started as a challenge between local gardeners to see who could grow the biggest cabbages and other garden produce.

It started originally at the New Inn and later moved to the Waggon and Horses at Beckhampton before moving back to the New Inn where it is now held in a marquee provided by Jeremy Sumbler of Covered Occasions, the local marquee hire company.

Over the years the amount of garden produce contributed has fallen away and Nigel Fielder, one of the Cabbage Sunday organisers, said: “Knowing that we have just had a cold and sun-less summer the organisers suspected that we would have much less fresh fruit and vegetables donated this year and this proved to be the case.”

Mr Fielding said the organisers were surprised when they totted up the proceeds to find they had made £920.

Donations for the auction were received from the New Inn; Avebury Community Shop; Georgina and Hannah Shepherd at the Three Magpies public house at Sells Green; Walter Rose butchers of Devizes and the White Horse public house at Winterbourne Bassett.

The organisers have thanked Sam Seymour for running the barbecue and Stella and Stan Mace from Winterbourne Monkton and members of Avebury Over 60s Club for selling raffle tickets.

One food hamper was donated by the Over 60s Club and another by Avebury Community Shop.

The organisers were Mr Fielder, Steven and Thelma Fulford.