Minsterley agricultural show is a hit with the crowds

The 138th annual Minsterley Show on Saturday attracted competitors, exhibitors and families to the Lea Cross showground, near Shrewsbury, for a traditional day out featuring livestock competitions, equestrian displays and carnival floats.

Organisers said they were pleased with the turnout, which was only marginally down on last year, after fearing rain in the week would put people off attending.

Show president Tudor Bebb hailed the event a success and thanked supporters and organising committee members for their hard work.

He said: "The show has gone very well with a good crowd showing up. It costs a heck of a lot of money to put the show on so it is a very good feeling when you see so many people coming through the gate.

"But there has been plenty for everyone to see, with a lot of interest around the livestock.

"This is believed to be the oldest one day agricultural show in the county, it's a tremendous show and we've had another great year – one of the best ever.

"But a lot of the credit must go to the stewards. There is an awful lot of them, they are all volunteers and they all do a great job. We wouldn't have a show without them."

Barry Conde, show chairman, described the turnout as "brilliant" and said people seemed to be enjoying the show, in particular the animals on display including sheep, goats, horses and ponies.

He said: "It's been another cracking show.

"Everything has gone to plan. The crowd is a little bit down but we expected that with the weather forecast.

"But we are looking on the bright side. The cattle all got here and the ground was amazingly dry considering we had so much rain on Thursday night."

Attractions included the Pony Club mounted games, Olympic-themed children's races, a dog show, a funfair, vintage tractors and classic cars.

Phillip Dudleston, from Pontesbury, the show's sheep steward, said: "We were fortunate with the weather because it meant all the classes started on time.

"We have had very strong entries in all classes. In some classes there were 18 sheep in the ring and that is very good for any show so we are pleased about that.

"There was a lot of high quality with the butchers lambs and the overall standard has been very high. This is a show I look forward to every year and it's always a relief when you see it going well.

"A lot of people have their work cut out but it is all worth it."

This year's event had a record amount of horses entering competitions and on display.

Peter Darkin, from Bridgnorth, who attended the show with his wife Jo said: "I am very impressed with the show. I've been to a few agricultural shows but this is my first time here and I really have enjoyed it."

Mia Tivey, 22, lives near the showground. She attended with her parents Lucy and Phil and said: "We haven't made it the last couple of years so it's nice to come back.

"We know quite a few of the people involved so it's nice to see them and support them.

"It's a good family show with lots to keep you entertained."

Sarah Morgan, from Whitchurch, attended with her husband Dean and son Josh. She said: "We've come the last few years because there is lots to see and do. Josh loves looking at the animals, especially the horses, and there are also lots of other things he likes to do.

"The food is always good, with lots of local produce, so it's nice to come along and try a few things."