DESPITE the foot-and-mouth crisis, one cow did make its way on to the Three Counties Showground.

However, Annabel, the prize exhibit at the NFU Food and Farming Roadshow, "was made of wood, with a rubber udder".

"The idea was that the youngsters can discover where milk comes from. Many kids today think milk is a flavoured drink you buy in supermarkets," said Roadshow presenter Johnny Ball.

"As we were setting up one lady told me her eight-year-old grandson had laughed at her the other day for cutting up potatoes to make chips.

"He believed they came in bags and went straight in the oven!"

Meanwhile, the Earl and Countess of Wessex were among thousands of visitors at the Showground today.

The Royal couple arrived by helicopter and were met by Three Counties Agricultural Society president Sally Clive and the Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire, Michael Brinton.