THOUSANDS of people attended the 103rd Okehampton Show in mostly bright sunshine.

The show featured a host of attractions and built on the success of last year's event.

ONE MAN AND HIS DOGS: Gary Boon, huntsman with the Eggesford Hunt, in the ring with the foxhounds
YOUNG FUN: Dylan Rooks-Haste from Stoneleigh Farm in Shebbear with Ben the calf

There were opportunities for shopping as well as the traditional agricultural show activities.

The horses, livestock and other animals were the stars of the day.

From huge heavy horses to tiny miniature Shetlands, cattle and calves, sheep and lambs, pigs and piglets, goats, poultry, rabbits and pigeons, every section was bursting with visitors.

The Devon Food Hall, craft marquee and open/WI section were all very busy and all the exhibitors were pleased with the business carried out.

A show spokesman said: "It takes a lot of hard work by a team of dedicated helpers to put on this terrific day out — we know it is all worthwhile because people have taken the trouble to write and say how much they have enjoyed themselves at past shows."

There was a huge amount of entertainment at the show.

In the main ring, attractions included carriage-driving displays, terrier racing, parade of hounds, vintage vehicle parade, grand parade, barrel racing and tug-of-war competition.

The entertainment ring featured BBC Radio Devon personality Tony Beard, the Widdecombe Wag, a sheep show, fun dog show, the North Devon Gun Dog Club Display Team, West Devon Falconry Display Team, ferret racing and morris dancing.

Around the showground, the entertainment focused on the Plough Boy Jazz Band, a thatching demonstration, chain saw-carving and a sheep-shearing competition.

The craft hall was the largest marquee on the showground and was open to exhibitors making or producing their own crafts for sale.

Crafts for sale included cards, hand-painted mirrors, woodcraft, jewellery, beads, paintings, photographs, handmade soaps and many other handmade goods.

The ever-popular Devon Food Hall also proved a big attraction.

It started in 2003 with 14 exhibitors and has greatly expanded to its current 25 stands.

A spokesman said: "The specific aim is to support our excellent local Devon producers.

"The range of goodies on offer is quite mouthwatering."

The spokesman added that they included meats, cheeses, bread and cakes, jams and chutneys, dressings, drinks including Devon cider, ales, juices and wines, Devon fudge, cereals and food gifts.