A dahlia extravaganza proved popular this weekend with crowds of spectators flooding through the doors.

Rose Cottage Plants in Epping offered dahlia enthusiasts the opportunity to see thousands of rare flowers, as well as a variety of spring bulbs which were on sale.

The event raised over £160 for charity, Children with Cancer through a range of refreshments at ‘Maggie Fenton’s pop-up Tea Garden’.

Nursery owner, Anne Barnard, who along with her partner has one of the largest collections of dahlias in the south east of England, said “We were encouraged by the response, as we had visitors waiting to come in before opening time on both days.

“We hope for an even higher turnout at our next event, when the dahlias should be at their peak, and cross our fingers for more good weather.”