THOUSANDS of sun-kissed spectators flocked to the West Bay showground to attend the much loved Melplash Show at Bridport.

Organisers said the beautiful weather and record number of entries into the livestock and horticultural competitions and record number of stall holders had made it one of the best shows yet.

President of the Agricultural society, Cleeves Palmer said he had never seen a show that was as happy and as universally enjoyed as this year’s.

Mr Palmer said: “The whole day has been absolutely fantastic.

“The crowds have loved it, and the number of entries has increased by 20 percent with the standard incredibly high.

“It is wonderful to see so many people from both the town and the country coming together to enjoy this special show, and this supports my thinking that people are falling more and more in love with agriculture and the excellent shows being put on.”

Chairman of the Horticulture Society Peter Yates said there had been more than 600 entries into 112 different classes in the horticultural section.

Mr Yates said: “The standard has been fantastic, the best entries I have probably ever seen.

“We even had a couple from the West Midlands who came down just for the day and then went back, which speaks volumes about the reputation of this show.”

Show Secretary Lucy Hart echoed these thoughts, but also paid tribute to the team of volunteers who help put on the show.

She said: “This year has been absolutely terrific, it is great to see so many families enjoying themselves.

“I am thrilled with the whole day and with the weather. I couldn’t ask for much more.

Caroline Bradbury was the proud owner of two Dexter cows, Puddlebridge and Primrose, who finished in first place in two classes, second in one and reserve champion in another.

She said: “It has been a very good day and we have really enjoyed it. The weather is great and we’ve won twice, so we’re delighted.”

Mr and Mrs Scurrell’s eight-year-old Percheron draft horse, Willingham Ella, won the classes for overall champion, best in class, and best turned out, making her the standout exhibit in the judge’s eyes.

Along with the equestrian and show jumping events in the main ring, spectators were also to get up close with other farmyard animals including sheep, goats and cows in the countryside arena.

In the main arena crowds thrilled to the spectacular display by the Bolddog Lings FMX motorcycle stunt team.

There were also dog races and ferret racing that kept the crowds entertained throughout the day.

The food hall was consistently busy throughout the day, with hungry spectators snapping up the local delicacies and sampling some of the finest drink Bridport has to offer.

Clive Sage of Wyld Meadow Farm, who was selling his locally produced beef and mutton, said: “This is a lovely country show, one of the most enjoyable, and the weather has really been kind this year.”