Handler Trevor Yate with Les Walbrin's Holmsley Amerella, which won the heavy horse mare or gelding class at the Ellingham and Ringwood Agricultural Society's 56th annual show held at Somerley Park. DA6173P10A RECORD number of country-loving folk attended this year's Ellingham Show on Saturday.

The 56th annual event was hosted by the Earl of Normanton and set at stunning Somerley Park, which provided the perfect backdrop for the event arena and showground.

In blistering heat, hackers, hunters, Arabs and New Forest ponies, plus llamas, sheep and dogs competed in 44 classes for the trophies on offer.

A host of other attractions, including dog-clicker demonstrations, a gundog and falconry display, Paddywacks comedy car and the Wilton hunt foxhounds parade excited the crowds.

The show is organised by the Ellingham and Ringwood Agricultural Society and is one of the most important events in the summer social calendar, famed for its appeal across the social spectrum.

More than 12,000 people descended on the Somerley Estate for the country show, watching the show-jumping and heavy horse events in the main arena, and browsing the countless craft and produce stalls, while children delighted in the mobile farm, courtesy of Miller's Ark Animals.

Claire Sarel with her daughters Verity (left) and Olivia, of Ringwood, with their special award-winning scarecrow Arabella. DA6173P19Former chairman of the Ellingham and Ringwood Agricultural Society and this year's spokesman Michael Lingam-Willgoss hailed the 56th event as the busiest and best ever show.

"We have become a quintessential English country show - the show that people always remember," he said.

"We always said we wanted to make our show appeal to everyone and I think we have done so.

"We are popular right across society from the farmers, the traders and, of course, the competitors."

While some country shows in the south are folding and others are increasing their entry fees, it cost just £6 to enter the Ellingham Show, with children being admitted free of charge and refreshingly free car parking.

Children meet riders and foxhounds of the Wilton Hunt. DA6173P22Mr Lingam-Willgoss added: "The reason people return year after year is the very special feeling at the show.

"It's the way the show welcomes people - there is a comfortable feel to it."

Profits from the show are split between a national charity, a local charity and the chosen charity of the president.

Takings this year are expected to have exceeded previous years.