THE charm of Chagford was there for all to see last Thursday as exhibitors and visitors from across the region headed to the pretty Dartmoor town for Chagford?s annual show.

Aside from all the traditional agricultural classes for ponies, heavy horses, sheep and cattle, the show is well-known for its relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Show secretary Mrs Sally Hutchings said this year?s show had been a great success.

She admitted organisers had been ?petrified? in the run-up to the show about the prospect of poor weather, but save for the occasional shower, the day was mostly sunny.

?Entries are up on last year,? she said, adding she was particularly pleased with the strong number of entries across the horse classes.

Mrs Hutchings said last year had seen a bumper attendance of between 4,500-5,000 people and she said early indications were this year?s show had again succeeded in pulling in the crowds.

The President for this, the 104th Chagford Show, was Mr Bill Pennington whose association with the show dates back to 1941, when he joined Rendells of Chagford, and, following Army service, returned to the area to continue his career as an auctioneer.

Mr Pennington said he was ?especially honoured? to have been elected as president of the show as he had left the area and moved away to North Devon 30 years ago, though he kept close links with the show since then.

The president?s wife, Mrs Mary Pennington, a Chagford girl, presented the winners of the showing sections with their trophies in the main ring.

It was another successful show for the Luxton family of North Alfordon Farm, Okehampton, who took home the rosette for the supreme cattle champion.

Stuart Luxton said it had been an almost perfect day with their animals nearly gaining a clean sweep winning all but one of the classes in the cattle section.

Stewart said the standard of entries had been good this year: ?There are probably not as many as in some years, but it is all good local cattle,? he said.

Stewart was particularly pleased with the performance of ?Ursula?, who was being shown for the first time.

?She came for a practice run today, we have got high hopes for her in the pre Christmas shows,? he said.

?It is nice to show locally, people are interested in what we are doing. We are also hoping to set up a farm shop, selling our own beef and lamb, so people can enjoy locally-produced good quality meat,? he added.

Commentary duties throughout the event were shared by Kevin Power and the Widdecombe Wag, Tony Beard. Tony said he always enjoyed visiting Chagford Show and this year was taking the opportunity to have a good look around the showground.

?I have been quite impressed with the amount of things they have got here for the children. I have brought the grandchildren along today and I had trouble dragging them away from ?Mr Showers? the clown who was teaching them various clown skills. They were having a wonderful lot of fun.

?The standard of livestock here is fantastic. It is a lovely country show in an idyllic location,? he added.

Among the entertainment on offer in the main ring were the Rockwood dog display team, the parade of the Mid Devon Foxhounds and North Devon Beagles, a celebration of 75 years of Mid Devon Pony Club and the cavalcade of vintage tractors and vehicles.

The finale of the programme was again provided by the popular sight of the terrier racing, officiated by Ian Brackenbury.

The Cogs and Wheels Ladies? Morris Dancers were also performing throughout the day at Mill End, Chagford.

The horticulture and pets corner proved popular, with in excess of 800 entries in the horticulture classes alone.

There were also a wide range of trade stands spread around the showground, with the award for the overall winner of the best trade stand going to the charity Hospiscare.