ONCe again the splendid setting of Sandy Park on the banks of the River Teign and overlooked by Castle Drogo drew the crowds for an equally splendid Chagford Show.

Among the many entertainments was Ben Potter and his display of birds of prey with an enthralling flying display; another Ben - Ben Savage - starred in a well balanced freestyle performance from the Mountain Bike Stunt Team. Bringing colour and movement were the dancers from The Cogs and Wheels Ladies Morris team while The Plough Boys Jazz Band with Bob Manuel, a steel band, and Hot Club Du Square jazz who got everyone in the swing were among those who provided the music.

Early heavy rains in the morning over the Devon countryside looked ominous for show day but thankfully by noon the rains had lifted and ground remained firm.

Show secretary Sally Hutchings was pleased with the response to the event. She said: 'Last year we had between 8-10,000 visitors and the final numbers for this year will be weather dependent. Entries are up right throughout and particularly in the driving and draught horses. We have 160 plus trade entries but we could have filled that three times over.'

There were 25 cattle entered, around 200 sheep and more than 500 in the horse section. One of the new sections was the arts and craft exhibition, where show organisers are keen to encourage and give local people a place to demonstrate their talents.

Sally especially wanted to thank all those volunteers who helped, yet again, to make it such a success.

'It is the volunteers without whom this event could not happen. Some give a day, some a whole week and because of their efforts the show works and flows really well. They are so committed.'

This year's show charity will be The West of England School and College in Exeter which helps young people with little or no sight.

Show president Vernon Ward in his address said: 'The show has survived through two world wars, outbreaks of foot and mouth and emotive subjects such as badgers and TB.

'Its strength and success is due not only to its hard working show committee and its many helpers but to you people who support the show on the day. Chagford Show is like the small acorn which has grown into the big oak tree — long may it continue to flourish.'