Indie, the chief sunflower slayer, has passed away. Indie has been a big fan of the sunflower contest since it began and can be seen below hopping past the first flowers as a baby in 2014.

The next year she realised how tasty the flowers were and, along with her sister Pongo, fought through all defences to devour the plants.

Indie gave the competition an element of danger and will be hugely missed. But don’t worry, Pongo is still waiting to pounce on any sunflowers should they get too heavy and fall from their current safety on the fence.

Despite the sadness, the contest goes on and Gibbles has reached above the rest.

Shmelling has enjoyed a growth spurt and is  now neck and neck in second place with previous leader Em&Em.  Pears, Gramps, Bears, Steclaire and Choltman are hot  on their heels. Although slightly shorter, Ricarah, Bobaul, Bull-Knox, Moomins and Amme are all looking strong and could make a late burst. Judging takes place on 5th August. Who will be the tallest?