FOR a one day event the Chagford Show packs an awful lot in to entertain the thousands of people who made their way to the showground, which is situated on the picturesque banks of the River Teign at Dogmarsh Bridge.

The 109th show, held last Thursday, reflected its strong agricultural tradition, and there were 50 different entrants for the livestock classes with more than 300 animals taking part from all over the county and some beyond. There was also a strong entry of 230 horse competitors with 400 entries and three arenas for show jumping and ponies events.

International stunt star Mark Stannage thrilled the crowd with his spectacular array of car and motorbike skill displays, mixed in with fire stunts, escapology and high falls off a high tower.

Along with a Birds of Prey display, Mid Devon Foxhounds, terrier racing, sheep shearing, the North Dartmoor Beagles, vintage vehicles and more than 160 trade stands there was something for all ages. One special attraction was the 'mini-zoo' displaying snakes, lizards, spiders, scorpions and other exotic creatures. There was even the odd meerkat that popped up now and then!

In the horticultural marquee 830 entries — including photography, wine, youth classes, crafts, flower arrangement and cookery — was a big increase from last year. With 5,000 square feet of horticultural displays, it was the largest in the show history. There was even an entry from the far away North East, when James Garrett from Newcastle saw his entry poach second place in the eggs competition.

Show secretary Sally Hutchings said she was delighted with the way the show had gone and was keeping her fingers crossed on the day that the rain clouds held off so everyone could enjoy, in the dry, all the entertainment the show had to offer.

She told the Times: 'It's all gone fabulously well, I have to say. We have entries up from last year, all across the board, and that shows how tremendously well its going. Not only have we had more entries but the standards of the classes have been very high. Last year we had around 7,500 visitors and we are hoping to equal, if not better that.'

Sally had a special word of thanks to the hundreds of volunteers who are involved in arranging the show and on the day the 160 plus people, mainly from the surrounding farming community, who have given their time and effort to make everything happen. They have been absolutely brilliant, it is so fantastic the help these volunteers give, especially over the five days, before, during and after the show.'

She said the show was happy to raise money for this year's chosen charity — the Help for Heroes, which supports those Armed Forces personnel who have been injured serving their country.