HUNDREDS of visitors have enjoyed sampling the wares of some of Suffolk’s best independent food producers and craftsmen at a popular country show.

Although numbers were down a little on the first day of the Mid & West Suffolk Show, about 800 people battled through floods on Saturday to reach the event at Stonham Barns, near Stowmarket.

According to show director Gary Newland, the worst of the rain skirted around the showground, but flooding in other parts of the county prevented some of the main attractions – including a team of Suffolk Punch horses – from attending.

He said: “We were very fortunate to have reasonable weather, although some of the traders had a job to get through.

“We managed to put on a motorcycle display on Saturday afternoon, but some of the items scheduled to appear in the ring were affected by the weather on the first day.”

Those that did make it included a team of entertaining sheep dogs and an exhilarating birds of prey display. The event also featured more than 120 exhibitors offering everything from home-made ice-cream to gourmet burgers produced from local meat.

There were demonstrations by Suffolk wood-turners and an array of pieces made by a diverse range of artisans. Mr Newland added: “All of the exhibitors were vetted to make sure they are based locally, so that we could promote all of the values we should be promoting in terms of the local economy.

“This show is not about commercialism like some of the bigger shows. We are trying to offer an event where you can bring the family, have a fun day and go away a little better educated about what is being produced in our region.”