VAST crowds defied the weather forecasts and flocked to Moreton Show last Saturday to enjoy a feast of north Cotswolds country life.

In the end the weather gods looked kindly on proceedings and only two brief showers interrupted what for many people was a perfect show day.

The size of the crowd and the number of entries also showed that, despite the dire state of the farming economy, people still wanted to enjoy the best the countryside had to offer, whether in the trade stands or the animal rings.

Show society chairman Tony Godwin, who accompanied society president Michael Lee around the ground, said: "I think everybody I talked to has said it was a very good, happy and positive show. It can be deemed a success."

"Horse numbers keep on increasing," he added, "but bearing in mind the agricultural recession, the cattle and sheep numbers are well up on last year and I think that's remarkable."

He was full of praise for Round Table members who staffed the gates of the show with their collecting buckets, saying how polite and gracious they had all been.

For Mr Lee and himself, this year offered a rare chance to take in the whole event and Mr Godwin said: "It all went by in a blur. It was nice to see all the different aspects and a very pleasant day. I think the home and garden tent looked very nice and people had put a lot of effort into that."

Audiences gathered round the attractions ring and the grand arena were able to enjoy an amazing variety of events from the skill at arms display of the British Tent Pegging Association to Richard Whiteley's sheepdog (or should that be duck-dog) and Tom Foolery Times comedy car act.

One disappointment for organisers was that there were only three entries for the pantomime cow competition, although this was three more than had at one stage seemed likely. In the end the event and £200 first prize was won by Moreton girls Emma and Annabelle Eden and Helen Jeffcutt with their bright pink cow.

Not everyone at the show was there for pleasure. Among those volunteering their services were about a dozen members of St John Ambulance Brigade, who reported a very quiet day, with little other than wasp stings to keep them busy.

One rider in the Inter-Hunt Challenge, won by the North Cotswold Hunt, did appear to have been hurt in a nasty fall, but the St John members said she was bruised, but had not suffered any serious injuries.