THE pumpkins are being nurtured and the sunflowers are being measured, as final preparation are made for this year’s Soham Pumpkin Fair.

The fair takes place on Saturday, September 29, - and the theme for this 38th fair is Diamonds and Medals, with nods to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, the London Olympics and Paralympics.

There will be cookery displays using pumpkins, and a variety of food stalls at the fair on the recreation ground, alongside morris dancers, ferret racing, bygones and vintage vehicles.

Paralympian Fran Williamson will open the fair at 1.30pm and events will include a visit by Mr Pumpkin, displays by Soham Fenlander Majorettes, Soham primary schools, and the Ely Youth Choir.

Soham Classic Vehicle Club and the Cambridge Ferret Welfare and Rescue Society will also be in attendance.

Money raised from the event will go to three local organisations, Molyn Care, Ely Youth Care and Soham Ladybugs Playgroup.

In the pumpkin competition, there are a number of classes for both local children and non resident youngsters, with cups and cash prizes on offer. In the adult competition, judges will be looking for the heaviest pumpkin grown by Soham residents and non-residents; and there is a competition to find the heaviest pumpkin grown in East Anglia.

Judges will award prizes for the biggest and tallest sunflowers grown by children and adults; and there are competitions to find the heaviest marrow, tomato, onion and sugar beet, and the longest runner beans.

Anyone wanting more information about the fair can contact the committee through their website: www.pumpkinfair.co.uk