THOUSANDS of people turned out for the annual Dowland Country Fair and Dog Show, held on Father's Day.

Visitors to the fair were treated to an array of local craft stalls, dog shows, falconry displays, countryside exhibitions and demonstrations, food stands and vintage vehicle displays.

Local celebrity Star the duck was seen parading the field, whilst crowds gathered at the main ring to watch impressive horse logging demonstrations with two stunning shire horses, hand sheep shearing demonstrations by local farmer George Mudge, Suffolk punch horse and cart rides and the North Devon Falconers who flew their impressive peregrines, harris hawks and high bred falcons and owls.

Dog owners were kept busy with the lurcher, terrier, family dog and ferret shows, plus the Buckham Fair best rescue/re-homed qualifier. Additional activities on offer included archery, chase the bunny and workshops and demonstrations by Devon based enterprise Running Deer.

Pulling in the crowds at their Frozen themed tent was Queen Elsa and Oaken whose sing-a-longs could be heard from the other side of the field. Other entertainment included Hatherleigh Silver Band, 16-year-old jazz and swing performer Cameron Mills, local school choirs and a range of other talented performers. 

The show was packed full of vintage vehicles on display, local trade and craft stands, a barbecue, fully licensed bar serving local produce, cream teas and much more.

Festival organiser Sue Folland said: 'Each year we are thrilled to see so many people turning up to support our local show. It's wonderful to see all of the new and returning faces each year and we are so grateful for all of the help and support we receive from people in the community, helping to make the show such a success year upon year.

'We are really thankful that the weather held out for this year's show and the field was full of people having a good time. We look forward to next year's show already!'

Donations from the event will be given to local charity Farms for City Children based at Iddesleigh and founded by children's author Michael Morpurgo, as well as a range of other local organisations.