'It's been a fabulous day at the Cheshire Show'

Thousands of people visited the epic occasion that is the Cheshire Show to sample the delights of this year's record-breaking event.

Crowds basked in the glorious sunshine at the Tabley Showground in Knutsford and watched livestock parades, dog shows and horse jumping, while listening to the music of the King's Division Normandy Band.

John Platt OBE, chairman of the Cheshire Agricultural Society, the show's organisers, said: "The weather has given an uplift to everyone involved in the show. I went for a walk earlier and people were showing cattle in the sunshine, which was lovely to see and the mood was very buoyant."

This year's event saw a record-breaking number of horse entries and among the numerous steed events being demonstrated were hunters, cobs, side-saddle and show jumping.

There were also a bumper number of entries in other competition classes for cattle, shires, sheep, goats, rare breeds, poultry, dogs, pigeons, rabbits and cavies.

This year's theme for the ever-popular Women's Institute section was Myths, Magic and Mystery and 57 WI groups exhibited at the show.

And a record number of trade stands displayed their wares, ranging from crafts, flowers and confectionary to tractors, trailers and even boats.

The country pursuits area of the showground had a full programme, which included fly fishing, terrier racing, falconry displays to name but a few, and TV celebrity Clarissa Dickson Wright of Two Fat Ladies fame was accompanied by life long friend Sir Johnny Scott at the Campaign For Falconry stand, signing copies of their new book The Game Cook Book.

David Broster, show secretary, was delighted with the 'overwhelming' turn out for the event.

He said: "It has been a fabulous day at the Cheshire Show. The weather has been beautiful and the crowds have come out in force to show their support.

"There are a record number competition entries and trade stands - all the makings of a very successful show."

gsproston@guardiangrp.co.uk