You’re never too old to enter at the Dorset County Show

Cyril, from Treves Road, Dorchester, only started exhibiting at the aged of 82 following the passing of his wife Joan after more than 50 years of marriage.

But his kitchen wall bears testimony to his success, as he has picked up three first prizes, two seconds, a third, and four highly commended, mainly for his legendary Victoria sponges.

Cyril urged people who have never exhibited in the Homecraft Tent to give it a go at this September’s two-day show.

“You are never too old to cook and I am always learning new things. Entering my Victoria sponges has always brought me a lot of pleasure.

“You enter to exhibit your cookery, not to win, but obviously it is very nice if you do go on and win something.

“I’ve always loved the Dorset County Show – it’s a great place to meet up with friends,” said Cyril, who for worked at Ford dealers Crabb and Co before a 31 year stint maintaining tanks at Bovington. He still is an active gardener, growing carrots, onions and every “edible vegetable” possible.

Cyril’s tips for his winning Victoria sponges are not too much of a closely guarded secret either: “It’s a case of three sixes and three eggs – that’s 6ozs (175g) of butter; 6ozs of caster sugar and 6ozs of flour with baking taking 20 minutes at 180C.”

The Dorset County Show has the largest homecraft marquee of any agricultural society in the South West, and this year has a “Seasons” theme.

With classes for everything from sponge cakes to cider, and preserves to paintings, with around 2,000 exhibits, the marquee is definitely worth a visit.

The deadline for homecraft entries is Wednesday 10 August.