THE odd heavy shower and overcast sky did not prevent thousands of people enjoying one of the best one day events in the South West - the Okehampton Show. With its proud rural tradition the show at Stoney Park last Thursday is very much a family day out.

With 400 horse and livestock classes, trade stands, a parade of hounds, the World Longhorn Shearing Championships, vintage vehicles, tug of war, Cogs and Wheels/Tinners Morris Dancers, ferret racing and the North Devon Gundogs - among many - to see it was a lot for the visitor to pack into one day.

A comedy tightrope balancing act, the Victor Pitts Sheep Dog display, Ozzy D's Magic show, the Plough Boy Jazz Band, OCRA's sports activities and the Okehampton Tae Kwon Do Club all added to the entertainment.

Opening the show Mayor Maureen McDonald said what a pleasure it was to be at 'this fantastic showpiece for the area.'

'We all know that the countryside has seen hard times in recent years, surviving foot-and-mouth disease, fighting a long battle against bovine TB and coping with the rising tide of bureaucracy and paperwork. Yet I am sure that our farms and all the businesses associated with them will serve us well as they move into a highly technological age, and that the young farmers of the next generation will carry on the traditions of the Okehampton and District Agricultural Association for another 100 years at least.'

She commended the association for its continuing support of the town and its residents, particularly for its recent generous donation to the Okehampton Foodbank.

Show president Hugh Trerise said he has always been grateful for having been raised in this area and appreciates the safety and beauty of the surroundings.

'The friendliness of the local communities make for a great quality of life and a secure area to work and raise a family. This has been reinforced by the images seen in the media in recent days.

'When one sees the enterprise, skills and trades on view here today it showcases the strengths and hope of future commerce. Surely companies and entrepeneurs must see the potential of this area with its road links and skilled and willing workforce.

'I never fail to be impressed by the high standards of exhibits, livestock and produce on view at this show and I hope you all enjoy them at your day out here at the show.'

Show secretary Claire Woodward told the Times: 'Although the unpredictable weather may have put some people off coming on the day It has still been completely hectic.

'We have 230 stands, 25 exhibitors in the food hall and our craft tent is full. We have had phenomenal entries in the open/WI section and healthy entries in the livestock.

'So many people have worked so hard to put on this show. We have such a wonderful team and they have done brilliantly and they are the people who make it work.'