The Dorset County Show got off to a roaring start yesterday with thousands coming from across the country to sample the delights and spectacle of Dorset’s biggest agricultural event.

People could be seen basking in the warm sunny weather, enjoying food and drink from the dozens of trade stands available and watching the various displays and competitions running throughout the day.

Both oldcomers and first-timers seemed to be in agreement that organisers had put on a very good show so far.

Gwenda Kesons, 47, from Swansea, said: “We come down from Swansea every year. My husband competes in the coaching class with the horses and my children love to come to the show.”

She added that the success of the show was down to its broad appeal.

She said: “There’s a little bit of everything for all ages, that’s what I think it is, and it’s a very happy atmosphere.”

Meanwhile, first-time seller Julie Philpott, owner of DorsetHandmade, which produces award-winning marmalade among other things, praised how well the show had been put together.

She said: “It’s the first year I have done this show and I am very impressed with the organisation and the set-up, and the show staff are very helpful.”

Roger Stockly, who owns the family-run Belle’s Traditional Bakery in Weymouth, said: “It has been very good, we have been very busy. I thoroughly enjoy it; we do it every year. It’s one of our favourite days of the year and one of our favourite shows to do.”

He added that sales so far from this year’s show have been some of the best he has ever had.

He said: “It has been right up there with some of our best days over the years.”

There is forecast to be some heavy rain for the second day of the show tomorrow, but trader Andy Pitcher of the Weymouth Cider Company said he wasn't too worried.

He said: “We spend all summer doing outside events so it’s taking the rough with the smooth.”