CHAGFORD Show was back to its best last Thursday where farmers had the chance to show off their stock for the first time in almost two years.

It took a 20-page document to DEFRA and inspections by Trading Standards plus many rules and regulations to follow but the organisers of the Chagford Show were determined to have livestock classes this year — and both the exhibitors and visitors, who came in their droves, thanked them for that.

Although entries were down in numbers on the years preceding foot and mouth, which was expected, the show committee was pleased with all those who had made the effort to bring stock and livestock.

Exhibitors were given a special round of applause during the grand parade.

Secretary of the show Michael Lewis said it really was a case of being back to normal: 'People like to see the livestock and yes it was a bit of extra work to get them here this year but it was well worth it,' he said.

'A new bridge over the River Teign which has given us a pedestrian link between two car parks has been a bonus, the weather is in our favour and lots of people have come along to enjoy this traditional celebration of the countryside.'

The supreme champion cow and calf was won by Dudley Luxton of Okehampton who said it was great to be back in the showing arena.

'The last time I exhibited any animals was Christmas Eve 2000 so it is wonderful to be out again and its a great credit to the Chagford Show Committee because they have done the job and sorted it out,' he said.

Chief agricultural steward Ivor Steward said there were very few shows with livestock this year mainly because of the rules and regulations but he was very encouraged by what he saw at Chagford.

'I have had associations with Chagford Show for 50 years and it is such a relaxed and friendly show — everybody really missed it in 2001 and there are a lot of new faces here this year which is good.'

Two sheep breeds missing were the Greyfaced Dartmoor and the Jacobs but Mr Mortimore said he hoped to see them back in 2003.

The sheep championship was won with a Scotch Black-Faced animal owned by Robert Jordan of Gidleigh who said Chagford was the one and only show he would be going to this year.

'In my opinion there is no atmosphere without the stock and going on the number of people who gathered to watch the judging, it's the reason why they come as well.' he said. 'We had to get a licence to show today and once the animals return to the farm they cannot be moved for 21 days so I think that has put many farmers off.'

The Jordans are synonymous with Chagford Show and have won many titles over the last 50 years.

Diane Jordan said 2001 was miserable but she could understand why the decision was taken not to run the event, which is always the third Thursday in August.

'It's something we look forward to and last year we missed it terribly,' she said.

Five-year-old Dartmoor Brood Mare Hisley Solitaire owned by Ann Jones of Lustleigh won the supreme champion in the horse section. Judge Peter Honey said it was an outstanding animal which had real 'size and substance.'

Spectator Debbie Brailey said Chagford Show was a great family day out with lots to interest the children.

As well as more than 200 trade stands, attractions in the main ring included a 'Wild West' display by the Mid Devon Pony Club, terrier racing, falconry and vintage vehicles.

Commentary was provided as always by Kevin Power and the Widdacombe Wag Tony Beard, who paid special tribute to the livestock exhibitors without whom there would have been a lot less 'colour and flavour.'

President of the show was Gidleigh Park Hotel owner Paul Henderson who said he was honoured to be given the title.

'It's great to see so many people here — we must have three times the population of Chagford in the showground,' he said.

'It's a real community event and everywhere you turn there is a familiar face.'