IT'S time for the horticultural enthusiasts to perfect their pumpkins, lavish love on their lettuces and swoon over their strangely shaped vegetables for this year's Tamar Harvest.

The event, to be held at Cotehele Quay on Sunday September 13, promises to be the biggest and best yet, with more than 20 producers' stalls, exhibitions, films, music and family activities. There will also be a community horticultural show to give amateurs, schools and allotment holders a chance to impress with their growing skills.

Categories in the show include one for the strangest shaped vegetable, tastiest tomato, biggest pumpkin, best salad collection, as well as many more.

The show will run from noon to 5pm and those wishing to display their home grown treasures are asked to deliver their entries to the Long Room in the Edgcumbe Arms, Cotehele Quay — before 2.30pm. Judging will be between 3.30pm to 4.40pm.

Ryan Rodgers, from Tamar Grow Local, the event's organisers, said: 'This year we not only wanted to celebrate the harvest from local producers, but also strongly encourage amateurs across the Tamar Valley to participate through the launch of the community show. This will have a different emphasis from many shows, including taste.

'The show will be judged by a number of experts, including Cotehele House's National Trust head gardener. There will be prizes, including a heritage Tamar Valley Apple Tree donated by Endsleigh Gardens Nursery for best overall entry.'

Anthea Hagger from the National Trust added: 'We are keen to support local food and this is an excellent way to do this, building on the success of last year's event.'

Further information can be found at http://www.tamargrowlocal.org">www.tamargrowlocal.org