CORNWOOD Show attracted record crowds this year, a return to the larger Cadleigh Farm site paying off for organisers.

After being held at Blachford Manor for the last three years, the bigger venue allowed the show to expand.

The whole field was filled with marquees, animals, entertainment and trade stands making a riot of colour against the beautiful Dartmoor backdrop.

The show is organised by charity Cornwood Agricultural & Horticultural Society for villagers and farmers, but as it has grown, so has its reputation and people from all over Devon, and even further afield came along this year.

Even the sun paid a visit after a rather grey start to the day, thanks no doubt to the efforts of Year 6 at Cornwood School in the ceremonial Onion Run, performed previously to guarantee good weather.

The crowds were well entertained with displays by Fitzworthy Riding School’s pony club, Canine Capers Dog Agility, Westcountry Falconry and the Ivybridge Donkey Sanctuary. There were races including the hilarious family sack race using dumpy bags, and the very entertaining tug o’ war.

Action in the ring was commentated by local Devon county councillor Richard Hosking, whose performance was part of the entertainment in its own right. For the first time, there was also an entertainment tent showcasing the Kingsmen Barbershop choir, Jumping Out music duo and the Cornwood Church Handbell team.

Around the show field there was lots to keep the crowds entertained, from vintage cars and tractors to a bouncy castle and face painting, a free climbing wall, archery and laser tag. The WI refreshment tent proved popular with wonderful homemade cakes, and the bar provided much needed liquid sustenance.

The expanded village market also did a roaring trade, local people selling the fruits of their labours, in some cases literally.

The horticultural show run by Sarah Owen had a wonderful crop of entries, from fruit and vegetables, to jam and flapjacks, to floral art and photography. The dog show run by Maggie Hall and Adrian Stokes was as popular as ever, while Ann Willcocks organised the ever expanding sheep show. A highlight was the young handlers class, youngsters in their white coats leading beautiful sheep around the ring.

The pet show and poultry show were both run by Christine Smith, and although turn out for the former was down on previous years thanks to a ban on rabbits because of an outbreak of disease in Devon, the poultry show had a great flock of exhibits.

Full results can be found at www.cornwoodshow.btck.co.uk, along with more photos of the day.

The organisers would like to thank everyone who visited and took part in the show, making it such a special day. See you there next year!