THE sun shone on the 109th Okehampton Show at Stoney Park last Thursday and the public responded by turning up in their thousands for the biggest one day show in the county.

It was a chance for ‘town’ to meet ‘country’ and the mix of the best of West Devon’s agriculture, craft, food and entertainment once again, proved a great draw for all ages.

President Simon Whattler officially opened the show and praised the organisers and volunteers who worked together to make the event such a success.

He said: ‘I would like to pay tribute to the huge amount of dedicated work that takes place behind the scenes to put on a show of this calibre and size, all in one day. The show committee and stewards and volunteer helpers work tirelessly before, during and after each show to provide us with a well run family day out and their dedication to the show is amazing. Thank you to everyone who makes it happen year after year.’

Show secretary Claire Woodward said that livestock entries were healthy.

‘We’ve had more than 1,000 sheep and although there have been some restrictions in the cattle because of the TB entry there are still good numbers here today. It’s the same with the horse entries, the heavy horse, the side saddle, the veterans and a new class in the ridden heavy horse. We’ve also had a good entry in the pygmy goats, goats and more than 70 alone in the pigs.

‘Last year we had around 9.000 people either visiting or taking part in the show and hopefully with this weather we are hoping for more this year.’

For more pictures, see the six pages of coverage in the August 18 edition of the Times.