GALLERY Thousands of people descended on this year's Tendring Hundred Show to help make the event a major success.

Elliot Furniss

THOUSANDS of people descended on this year's Tendring Hundred Show to help make the event a major success.

More than 25,000 people enjoyed the annual agricultural show at Lawford House Park, near Manningtree on Saturday, which is run by the Tendring Hundred Farmers' Club.

A massive range of activities, displays and trade stalls provided something for everyone.

Organisers were thrilled that the bad weather of previous days had managed to hold off for the event and by lunchtime the car parks were almost 95 per cent full.

Show secretary Romany Foster said: “We had a fantastic day - the weather was extremely kind, and as always the public turned out in their thousands to support us.”

Dozens of cups and trophies were awarded in a number of different categories, with prizes on offer for the most impressive livestock to the most dazzling flower arrangements.

One of the more unusual competitions to the eyes of the average show-goer was the egg contest, which saw dozens of entrants attempt to convince the judges that their hens had laid the best.

Egg judge Don Bonwick, 71, who adjudicates at events throughout the year, said they were some of the most impressive specimens he had seen all year.

He said: “It's brilliant here. It's the best egg show I have done this year and I have done quite a few.”

Also in the poultry tent were a vast array of unusual and distinctive rare breed fowl that were all primped and preened to perfection.

Meanwhile, outside there were fly-fishing masterclasses on offer and performances by the Essex Corps Marching Band and the lively Colchester Morris Men, complete with their traditional mascot Wilbur the Dalmatian.

As in past years, the sheep racing, held in the President's Ring, and gun dog displays proved popular with punters while the climbing wall and vintage car show kept children of all ages interested.

Other attractions in the President's Ring included a thrilling side saddle show, a falconry display and a sheepdog demonstration.

The Colchester Division of the Essex Beekeepers Association was also represented and beekeeper Rob Smith said it was a great way to show children where honey comes from and how important bees are to the environment.

Organisations with stands included the Longmead Riding for Disabled group, the Lions Club of Clacton on Sea and the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.

As well as charities, activities and trade stands, there were dozens of food outlets on site while the food hall marquee offered speciality and locally-produced goods.

Essex County Council also had a marquee at the show and staff were handing out saplings to the crowd, including North Essex MP Bernard Jenkin, in a bid to encourage more people to plant trees at their homes.

nSee tomorrow's East Anglian Daily Times for full results of the classes and competitions at this year's show.